Nat_White_Nose_Decontam_Protocol_04.12.2016.pdf

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v 04.12.2016 1

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol - Version 04.12.2016

I. INTRODUCTION

The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd – formerly identified as Geomyces destructans) is the cause of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that has resulted in unprecedented mortality of hibernating bats throughout eastern North America. Since first documented in New York in 2006, WNS continues to threaten hibernating populations of bats across the continent, having spread rapidly through the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast states, as well as eastern Canada.

Best available science indicates that Pd arrived in North America from a foreign source. Once Pd has been detected, either on bats or in the hibernaculum environments, the county of occurrence is considered contaminated indefinitely due to the long-term persistence of the fungus. Because of the devastating effects of WNS in North America, recommendations detailed in this document were developed to minimize the risk of human-assisted transmission. All persons who come into contact with bats, their environments, and/or associated materials for any reason (e.g., research, recreation, etc.) are advised to take precautions to avoid additional, inadvertent transport of Pd to uncontaminated bats or habitats.

Observations of live or dead bats (multiple individuals at a single location) should be reported to local USFWS Field Office or State agency wildlife office http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/partners. Do not handle bats unless you are properly trained, vaccinated, and, where necessary, authorized in writing to do so by the appropriate government agency.

II. PURPOSE:

The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations based on the best available scientific information known to effectively clean and treat (herein referred to as decontaminate, or similar derivation thereof) clothing, footwear, and/or gear (herein collectively referred to as equipment) that may have been exposed to Pd. When activities involve contact with bats, their environments, and/or associated materials the following decontamination procedures are designed to reduce the risk of human-assisted transmission of the fungus to other bats and/or habitats.

For the protection of bats and their habitats: 1) comply with all current cave and mine closures, advisories, and regulations on federal, state, tribal, and private lands; 2) follow relevant recommendations found in this document; and 3) do not transport any equipment into or out of the United States of America (USA) that has been in contact with bats or their environments.

Local, state, federal, or other management agencies may have additional requirements or clarifications for equipment used on lands under their jurisdictions1 or work involving public trust resources. Always follow all state and/or federal permit conditions. Contact the respective agency representatives for supplemental documents or additional information.

III. PRODUCT USE:

Ensuring the safety of individuals using any of the applications and/or products identified in this document must be the first priority. Safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals and user’s manuals for equipment developed by product manufacturers provide critical information on the physical properties, reactivity, potential health hazards, storage, disposal, and appropriate first aid procedures for handling, application, and disposing of each product in a safe manner. Familiarization with the SDS for chemical products, and manufacturer’s product care and use standards, will help to ensure appropriate use of these materials and safeguard human health. Read http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/partners

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v 04.12.2016 2 product labels in advance of intended field use. Ensure availability of adequate emergency eye-wash supplies or facilities at intended site of use. Always store cleaning products out of the reach of children or pets.

It is a violation of federal law to use, store, or dispose of a regulated product in any manner not prescribed on the approved product label and associated SDS. Products, or their contaminated rinse water, must be managed and disposed of in accordance with local environmental requirements and, where applicable, product label, to avoid contamination of groundwater, drinking water, or non-municipal water features such as streams, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. Follow all local, state and federal laws. Requirements for product disposal may vary by state. Note: Quaternary ammonium wastewaters should not be drained through septic systems because of the potential for system upset and subsequent leakage into groundwater.

IV. TRIP PLANNING/ORGANIZATION:

1.) Identify the appropriate WNS Management Area (Figure 1) in which the equipment has been used and will be used in the future. Users of new or site-dedicated equipment (that has been and will be used in only one site) may skip to #3.

Figure 1. WNS Management Areas by state.

2.) Once the appropriate Management Areas have been determined using Figure 1, use Figure 2 to determine appropriate uses for A. Subterranean Equipment or B. Terrestrial Equipment. "Subterranean equipment" includes any equipment that has ever been exposed to a cave/mine environment. “Terrestrial equipment” includes any equipment that has not previously been exposed to a cave/mine environment. Regardless of the equipment designation, equipment should only be reused at similarly classified or progressively more contaminated locations2.

In addition, given uncertainties in the distribution of Pd in the Pacific Northwest (i.e., ID, OR, & WA), subterranean and terrestrial equipment should not be transferred between the PNW and eastern USA (endemic/intermediate).

3.) Contact local state/federal regulatory or land management agencies for additional requirements, exemptions, or addendums on lands under its jurisdiction that supplement guidance provided in Figure 2A and 2B.

4.) Choose equipment that can be most effectively decontaminated [e.g., rubber or synthetic rather than leather boots], otherwise commit use of equipment to a specific location (herein referred to as equipment dedication).

Equipment should always be inspected for defects prior to use. Replace all defective or degraded equipment with new equipment. Brand new equipment can be used at any location where access is permitted, as long as it has not been stored or come in contact with contaminated equipment.

“Site” is loosely defined in this document as the location of a discrete bat roost (cave, barn, talus slope, etc.) or as a specific field location for mist netting or other trapping. Since conditions vary considerably, delineating sites will be at the discretion of the appropriate local regulatory or land management agency.

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After cleaning and decontamination, the following symbols indicate that equipment transfer/movement is:

Not recommended At the discretion of the responsible state/federal land management agency Acceptable

A. Subterranean Equipment recommendations by WNS Management Area and

COUNTY

B. Terrestrial Equipment recommendations by WNS Management Area and

STATE

Figure 2. Movement recommendations for decontaminated (A) Subterranean and (B) Terrestrial equipment.

5.) Prepare a strategy (i.e., Outline how/where all equipment and waste materials will be contained, stored, treated and/or discarded after returning to the vehicle/base area) that allows daily decontamination of equipment and, where applicable, between individual sites visited on the same day, unless otherwise directed by local state/federal or land management agency instructions. Confirmed Pd contaminated sites or those with a high index of suspicion for contamination should be visited only after those sites of unknown Pd/WNS status2 have been visited, to further reduce the risk of inadvertent transmission.

V. PROCEDURES FOR DECONTAMINATION:

1.) On site:

a.) Thoroughly remove sediment/dirt from equipment immediately upon exiting from the site.

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v 04.12.2016 4 b.) Contain all exposed and potentially contaminated equipment in sealed bags/containers for treatment away from the location. Decontaminate the outside hard, non-porous surfaces of containers and bags prior to moving them to a secondary location (e.g., vehicles, labs, or storage). Store all exposed and decontaminated equipment separately from unexposed equipment.

c.) Clean hands, forearms, and exposed skin using hand/body soaps/shampoos and, when feasible, change into clean clothing and footwear prior to entering a vehicle.

2.) Off site:

a.) REMOVE dirt and debris from the outside of vehicles (especially wheels/undercarriage) prior to additional site visits, especially when traversing WNS Management areas or scenarios categorized as “Not Recommended” (Figure 2).

b.) CLEAN submersible and non-submersible equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.

Sediments and debris significantly reduce the effectiveness of treatments. Laboratory trials3&4 demonstrate that the use of conventional cleansers like Woolite® detergent or Dawn® dish soap aided in the removal of sediments and debris prior to treatment, contributing to the effectiveness of decontamination.

c.) TREAT submersible or non-submersible equipment only in a safe manner according to the equipment and product labels using the most appropriate application or product listed in Table 1. For equipment that cannot safely be treated in accordance with both the manufacturer’s recommendations and product labeled instructions, dedicate to individual sites as determined appropriate in Section IV.

i. Submersible Equipment (i.e., equipment that can safely withstand submersion in water or other specified product for the recommended amount of time without compromising the integrity of the item):

Treatment of submersible equipment must be done in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations for your equipment. The preferred treatment for all submersible equipment is submersion in hot water that maintains a temperature of at least 55ºC (131ºF) for a minimum of 20 minutes. Ensure that all equipment surfaces remain in direct contact (i.e., avoid all trapped air) with the hot water treatment for the duration of the treatment period. Consider that although many commercial and home washing machines with sanitize (or allergen) cycles may be capable of submerging gear in the recommended hot water application for the required time, it is incumbent on the user to be sure that machines to be used attain and sustain the needed temperatures throughout the process. If heat may comprise the safety and/or integrity of the otherwise submersible equipment, consider equipment dedication or other products listed in Table 1. When considering other products found in Table 1, recognize that the applicability and effect of such products on the safety and integrity of equipment remains untested. Be aware the use of preferred applications and products in Table 1 should be done with extreme caution and proper personal protective gear due to the risk of personal injury.

ii. Non-submersible Equipment (i.e., equipment that may be damaged by liquid submersion):

Treat all non-submersible equipment using the most appropriate application or product in Table 1 that complies with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and product label instructions, where applicable. The listed applications or products may not be appropriate or safe for non-submersible equipment. Dedication of equipment should always be considered the preferred application in these circumstances.

d.) RINSE equipment, as appropriate, thoroughly in clean water, particularly items that may contact humans, bats, or sensitive environments. Allow all equipment to completely dry prior to the next use.

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v 04.12.2016 5 e.) DECONTAMINATE the equipment bins, sinks, countertops and other laboratory, office, or home areas with the most appropriate applications or products in Table 1.

Table 1. Applications and products with demonstrated efficacy against Pd 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7. Remember to consult equipment labels, registered product labels, and the appropriate SDS for regulations on safe and acceptable use.

Other effective treatments with similar water based applications or chemical formulas (e.g., a minimum of 0.3% quaternary ammonium compound) may exist but remain untested at this time. Find more information on the EPA or FDA registered product labels by accessing the individual hyperlink or searching EPA or FDA Registration Numbers at: http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1 or http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm.

Products with USEPA registration numbers mitigate persistence of living organisms on surfaces and are regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, 7 USC 136, et seq.). FIFRA provides for federal regulation of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. Within FIFRA, pesticides are defined as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.

FIFRA further defines pests as any insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, or any other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life or virus, bacteria, or other micro-organism (except viruses, bacteria, or other micro-organisms on or in living man or other living animals) which the Administrator declares to be a pest under section 25(c)(1). Find more information on FIFRA at: http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/lfra.html.

Tested Applications & Products 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 Federal Reg No.: Laboratory Results

Preferred Applications

Equipment Dedication N/A Clean according to manufacturer standards and dedicated to a site

Submersion in Hot Water4, 6, & 7 N/A Laboratory effectiveness demonstrated upon submersion in water with sustained temperature ≥ 55ºC (131ºF) for 20 minutes.

Other Products

Ethanol (60% or greater)4, 6, & 7 CAS - 64-17-5 Laboratory effectiveness demonstrated upon exposure in solution for at least 1 minute.

Isopropanol (60% or greater)4, 6, & 7 CAS - 67-63-0

Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes (70%)4, 6, & 7 CAS - 67-63-0 Laboratory effectiveness demonstrated immediately following contact and associated drying time.

Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes (3%)4, 6, & 7 CAS - 7722-84-1

Accel®4, 5, 6, & 7 EPA - 74559-4

Laboratory effectiveness demonstrated when used in accordance with product label.

Clorox® Bleach3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 EPA - 5813-100

Clorox® Wipes4, 5, 6, & 7 EPA - 5813-79

Clorox® Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach4, 5, 6, & 7 EPA - 5813-21

Hibiclens®4, 5, 6, & 7 NDA - 017768

Lysol® IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7

EPA - 47371-129

http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1 http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/lfra.html https://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:8:7125204446898::NO::P8_PUID,P8_RINUM:498934,74559-4 http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:8:16359837173180::NO::P8_PUID,P8_RINUM:500457,5813-100 https://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:8:6908485945353::NO::P8_PUID,P8_RINUM:393503,5813-79 http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:8:35164099592542::NO::P8_PUID,P8_RINUM:3480,5813-21 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/017768s042lbl.pdf https://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:8:::NO::P8_PUID,P8_RINUM:12589,47371-129

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VI. EQUIPMENT AND ACTIVITY SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is the responsibility of the users of this protocol to read and follow the product label and SDS. The product label is the law!

A. Clothing & Footwear:

IMPORTANT: All clothing (i.e., inner and outer layers) and footwear should be decontaminated after every site visit using the most appropriate Application/Product in Table 1 or otherwise cleaned and dedicated for use at individual sites or areas as determined appropriate in Section IV.

Use of a disposable suit (e.g., Tyvek® or ProShield®) or site-dedicated, reusable suit (i.e., coveralls) is an appropriate strategy to minimize sediment/soil accumulation on clothing during a cave/mine or bat research activity. As stated earlier, all clothing layers should still be decontaminated or otherwise cleaned and dedicated after every use.

Disposable items, regardless of condition, should not be reused. Contain all used equipment in plastic bags upon final exit from a site, separating disposable materials from reusable equipment. Seal and store plastic bags in plastic containers until trash can be properly discarded, and/or exposed reusable equipment can be properly decontaminated off site.

B. Cave/Mine and other Subterranean Equipment:

Dedicate, as necessary, or decontaminate all cave/mine equipment (e.g., backpacks, helmets, harness, lights, ropes, etc.) using the most appropriate guidance in Section V. Most types of equipment, including but not limited to, technical and safety equipment, have not undergone testing for safety and integrity after decontamination. Therefore carefully review and adhere to the manufacturer’s care and use standards to maintain equipment functionality and safety protective features. If the application/product options in Table 1 are not approved by the manufacturer’s care and use standards for the respective type of equipment, clean and inspect equipment according to manufacturer’s specification and dedicate to similarly classified caves/mines/bat roosts and only reuse in progressively more contaminated caves/mines/bat roosts.

C. Scientific Equipment:

Always consider the use of disposable scientific equipment and materials between individual bats. All disposable scientific equipment (e.g., work surfaces, bags/containers/enevelopes, exam gloves, etc.)

should only be used on one bat, then discarded after use. Re-useable equipment (e.g., cotton bags, plastic containers, etc.) must be decontaminated between individual bats using the most appropriate application or product in Table 1. In all cases, use breathable bags (e.g., paper, cotton, mesh, etc.).

At the completion of daily activities and when allowable by equipment and product labels, equipment may be autoclaved before reuse; otherwise use the guidance in Section V to determine the relevant procedure for decontamination of all work surface area(s) and equipment (e.g., light boxes, banding pliers, holding bags, rulers, calipers, scale, scissors, wing biopsy punches, weighing containers, etc.).

D. Mist-Nets:

Contamination of trapping equipment is possible year-round when used at Pd contaminated hibernacula (NWHC, unpublished data). Dedicate, as necessary, or decontaminate all netting equipment (e.g., netting, tie ropes, poles, stakes, etc.) using the most appropriate guidance in Section V for the particular equipment. All nets that are contacted by one or more bats must be decontaminated after each night of use according to the submersion in hot water application (Table 1). All nets should be completely dry prior to the next use.

E. Harp Traps:

Contamination of trapping equipment is possible year-round when used at Pd contaminated hibernacula (NWHC, unpublished data). Dedicate, as necessary, or decontaminate all trapping equipment (e.g., lines, National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v 04.12.2016 7 frame, feet, bags, etc.) using the most appropriate guidance in Section V for the particular equipment.

All trapping equipment that comes in contact with one or more bats OR enters a cave/mine/bat roost must be decontaminated after each night of use according to the most appropriate application or product (Table 1). Explore the use of disposable trap bags or liners to reduce transmission risks throughout each trapping effort. Disposable trap bags should be discarded at the end of each night.

F. Acoustic Monitor, Camera, and Related Electronic Equipment:

Dedicate, as necessary, or decontaminate all acoustic monitoring, camera, and related electronic equipment (e.g., detector, camera, tablets, cell phones, laptops, carrying case, lenses, microphone(s), mounting devices, cables, etc.) using the most appropriate guidance in Section V for the particular equipment. The material composition of this equipment requires careful review and adherence to the manufacturer’s care and use standards to maintain their functionality and protective features. If application/product options in Table 1 are not approved by the manufacturer’s care and use standards for the respective type of equipment, clean equipment accordingly and dedicate to similarly classified caves/mines/bat roosts or only reuse in progressively more contaminated caves/mines/bat roost.

Electronic devices used as terrestrial equipment, independent of bat handling work, pose a limited risk of transmission (i.e., driving transects or fixed point detector surveys not associated with a cave/mine/bat roost entrance).

Equipment used in a cave/mine/bat roost may be placed in a sealed plastic casing, plastic bag, or plastic wrap to reduce the potential for contact/exposure with contaminated environments. Prior to opening or removing any plastic protective wrap, first clean, then remove, and discard all protective wrap. This technique has not been tested and could result in damage to, or the improper operation of, equipment.

These recommendations are the product of the multi-agency WNS Decontamination Team, a sub-group of the Disease Management Working Group established by the National WNS Plan (A National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats, finalized May 2011). On 15 March 2012 a national decontamination protocol was approved and adopted by the WNS Executive Committee, a body consisting of representatives from Federal, State, and Tribal agencies which oversees the implementation of the National WNS Plan. The protocol will be updated as necessary to include the most current information and guidance available.

1 To find published addenda and/or supplemental information, visit http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/topics/decontamination.

2 Visit http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/resources/map for the most updated information on the status of county and state. County and state level determination is made after a laboratory examination and subsequent classification of bats according to the current WNS case definitions. Definitions for the classification can be found at http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/Case%20Defintions%20for%20WNS.pdf . Contaminated determination includes both confirmed and suspect WNS classifications.

3 Information from : V. Shelley, S. Kaiser, E. Shelley, T. Williams, M. Kramer, K. Haman, K. Keel, and H.A. Barton – Evaluation of strategies for the decontamination of equipment for Geomyces destructans, the causative agent of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) Journal of Cave and Karst

Studies, v. 75, no. 1, p. 1–10. DOI: 10.4311/2011LSC0249

4 Efficacy of these agents and treatments are subject to ongoing investigation by the Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service Cooperative Agreement 13-IA-

11242310-036 (U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service) & 16IA11242316017 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service). Information contained in this protocol from work associated with either agreement will continue to be revised, as necessary, pending results of these investigations.

5 The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this protocol is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by state and/or federal agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others identified in the protocol that may also be suitable for the specified use.

6 Product guidelines should be consulted for compatibility of use with one another before using any decontamination product. Also, detergents and quaternary ammonium compounds (i.e., Lysol® IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner) should not be mixed directly with bleach as this will inactivate the bleach and in some cases produce a toxic chlorine gas. All materials may present unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.

7 Final determination of suitability for any decontaminant is the sole responsibility of the user. All users should read and follow all labeled instructions for the products/applications and/or understand associated risks prior to their use. Treatments and the corresponding procedures may cause irreversible harm, injury, or death to humans, bats, equipment or the environment when used improperly. Always use personal protective equipment in well-ventilated spaces to reduce exposure to these products or applications.

http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/topics/decontamination http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/resources/map http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/Case%20Defintions%20for%20WNS.pdf

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol - Version 04.12.2016