White Nose Syndrome Surveillance: Fungal spore richness and diversity in Australian caves
Our current aim is to expand knowledge of the fungi found across caves in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. To do this, we hope to analyse samples taken from caving gear (e.g. boots, caving suits, and ropes), allowing us to identify which species are commonly found in these caves. Some of these fungi might have the ability to combat the White Nose fungus. Additionally, analyzing the fungal spores on cavers' gear will help us understand how fungal spores move between caves and where transmission would likely occur.
This research will also expand surveillance for the White Nose Syndrome fungus. While this disease doesn't harm humans, it poses a serious threat to bats and can be deadly. Although the fungus is not believed to be in Australia yet, it is highly likely that it will get introduced before 2030, and this will be the first extensive survey to investigate its presence/ absence.
The UoM team is seeking support from members of the Australian public and caving community, particularly in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
Interested individuals will receive sampling kits with sterile swabs to collect samples from their gear after a cave visit, which can be sent back via prepaid envelope. Analysis of samples is scheduled to take place in early to mid-2025.
Click here for access to the
Plain Language Statement/ Project summary
Click here to access
Swabbing Instructions
If you’d like to participate, click here to download the
Consent Form
Please email the filled-out consent form to a.langguth@unimelb.edu.au and let us know how many sampling kits you’d like.
Map of priority area and samples collected to date:
All sample submissions are welcome.
Priority will be given to samples collected from currently unsampled areas within our target region.
Sample origins shown are approximate and do not reflect actual cave locations.
For information on whether a specific cave has been sampled yet, please contact Anna Langguth at a.langguth@unimelb.edu.au