BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says three bats collected in northern Idaho have tested positive for white-nose syndrome, marking the first confirmed cases of the disease in bats in the state.
Laboratory confirmation came from the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center. The bats included a little brown myotis and a long-eared myotis collected in Bonner County in 2025, along with a bat collected in Kootenai County in 2026 that is awaiting final species confirmation.
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats and has killed millions across North America since it was first detected in 2006. The fungus can spread through contact between bats and may also be carried on contaminated clothing, footwear or equipment.
Fish and Game officials said the disease does not pose a risk to people, pets or livestock but is a significant threat to bat populations. The agency asks the public not to disturb roosting bats and to report die-offs, especially if five or more bats are found sick or dead in one location.
Bats play an important role in Idaho ecosystems by consuming insects, including agricultural pests. A 2011 study estimated bats provide about $313 million in pest-control benefits to Idaho agriculture each year.
Fish and Game has monitored for the disease since 2009 and says it is evaluating tools, including potential vaccines, to reduce impacts on bat populations.
