MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Department of Fish & Wildlife says a bat-killing disease called white-nose syndrome has been discovered in two more counties.
The infected droppings of two bats were found in Snohomish and Chelan counties in northern and central Washington.
White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats since it was first discovered on the East Coast of the U.S. in 2006. The state wildlife agency says the syndrome is caused by a fungus and often kills hibernating bats.
White discoloration on bat noses are telltale signs of infection. Experts say the disease does not affect humans or any other species.