WILDLIFE -- White-nose syndrome has been confirmed in Nebraska, the 30th state to document the devastating fungal disease that affects hibernating bats.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin  confirmed white-nose syndrome in three bats from the Cass County mine, including one little brown bat, one northern long-eared bat and one tri-colored bat.

White nose syndrome, which has killed more than 6 million bats since 2006, has been confirmed in Washington state, too, as well as in five Canadian provinces.

"Finding bats with white-nose syndrome in Nebraska emphasizes the need to develop and implement new tools to manage the spread and reduce the severity of the impacts of this devastating disease," said Jeremy Coleman, National White-nose Syndrome Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Following is more information about white-nose syndrome from the USFWS:

It affects bats during hibernation, causing the animals to awaken more often and use up fat reserves they need to survive through winter. They may also emerge from hibernation too early and starve or freeze to death. Mortality rates for little brown and northern long-eared bats have exceeded 95 percent in some states.

Bats are crucial to a healthy ecosystem. They eat insects that can damage agricultural crops, saving U.S. farmers at least $3 billion annually in pest control services.

White-nose syndrome is not known to pose a threat to humans, pets or livestock. It is transmitted primarily from bat to bat, but fungal spores may inadvertently be carried to caves by humans on clothing and caving gear.

Help bats by following all decontamination requirements if entering caves and continuing to avoid disturbing bats, especially during hibernation.

Do not touch or handle bats. If you see sick or dead bats, please report them to state wildlife officials.

For more information about the disease and the response, visit whitenosesyndrome.org.