Several years ago, A. Morrie Craig, Ph.D, launched a consulting firm, Willamette Consulting Services, LLC, in Corvallis, Oregon. Before starting his business, Doctor Morrie Craig was involved in research at Oregon State University on phyto-bioremediation and other environmental toxicants.
Bats are an important part of the agricultural ecosystem because they eat insects, which is an important part of pest control. Bats save farmers $3.7 billion in pest control services each year.
In 2020, some of Oregon State University’s professors were recognized for a proposal to treat bat fungus. White-nose syndrome has killed the bat population in North America almost to the point of extinction, and these scientists have devised a way to treat the condition.
The fungus appears on the muzzles and wings of bats and appears as white fuzz. It thrives in wet, cold places and most commonly appears on bats in hibernation. The prevalence of this condition has been seen in seven provinces in Canada and 35 of the United States. In some areas, 90 to 100 percent of the bats have been affected by the fungus.
The research culminated in an aerosol spray that genetically suppresses the fungus and does not harm bats.
Bats are an important part of the agricultural ecosystem because they eat insects, which is an important part of pest control. Bats save farmers $3.7 billion in pest control services each year.
In 2020, some of Oregon State University’s professors were recognized for a proposal to treat bat fungus. White-nose syndrome has killed the bat population in North America almost to the point of extinction, and these scientists have devised a way to treat the condition.
The fungus appears on the muzzles and wings of bats and appears as white fuzz. It thrives in wet, cold places and most commonly appears on bats in hibernation. The prevalence of this condition has been seen in seven provinces in Canada and 35 of the United States. In some areas, 90 to 100 percent of the bats have been affected by the fungus.
The research culminated in an aerosol spray that genetically suppresses the fungus and does not harm bats.
