Bat Guano Fertilizer Linked to Fatal Fungal Infections in New York Cannabis Growers

Two Rochester men died from histoplasmosis after exposure to fungus-laden bat droppings used as fertilizer for homegrown marijuana.

Two men, aged 59 and 64, from Rochester, New York, died after contracting histoplasmosis, a rare fungal lung infection caused by inhaling spores from bat guano.
One man purchased bat guano online, while the other collected it from a heavily infested attic, intending to use it as a fertilizer for cannabis cultivation.
Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus found in bat droppings, can cause severe respiratory infections, especially in individuals with preexisting health conditions or weakened immune systems.
The deaths highlight a growing trend of using bat guano as a 'natural superfood' fertilizer for cannabis, raising concerns about the lack of awareness and safety precautions.
Experts and researchers urge public education, testing of commercial biofertilizers for harmful fungi, and protective measures, such as wearing masks when handling bat guano.