Loss of bats to lethal fungus linked to 1,300 child deaths in US, study says

A recent study published in Science has established a link between the decline of bat populations due to white-nose syndrome and an increase in infant mortality in the United States. Since the emergence of the deadly fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans in 2006, bat colonies have been decimated, leading to a significant rise in pesticide use by farmers who sought to compensate for the loss of bats, which naturally control crop pests. The research indicates that in areas where bats have died off, there was an average increase of nearly 8% in infant mortality rates, translating to approximately 1,334 additional infant deaths. The study controlled for various factors such as unemployment and the opioid crisis, concluding that the increase in pesticide use directly correlated with the decline in bat populations. This research highlights the broader ecological impacts of species loss and suggests that the health of wildlife can have significant implications for human health. The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that underscores the adverse effects of pesticides on human health, reinforcing the need for careful environmental management.

- The decline of bat populations due to white-nose syndrome is linked to increased pesticide use.

- The study found a nearly 8% rise in infant mortality in areas affected by bat die-offs.

- Approximately 1,334 additional infant deaths were attributed to increased pesticide exposure.

- The research controlled for various socioeconomic factors, establishing a direct correlation.

- The findings emphasize the ecological and health impacts of wildlife loss on human populations.