ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Gray News) – Two men from New York have died after using bat feces as a fertilizer to grow cannabis.

According to a study published in Open Forum Infectious Disease, the Rochester residents died from pneumonia after the bat waste, known as guano, released a harmful fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum that caused fatal lung infections.

Researchers said one of the men, a 59-year-old, had purchased the bat guano from an online store while the other, a 64-year-old man, had harvested a thick layer of guano in his attic where he had a bat infestation.

Their deaths were not connected, but researchers said this highlights a dangerous and growing trend of bat guano being used among cannabis growers.

“It is crucial to raise awareness among physicians and patients to reinforce personal preventive measures and establish timely diagnosis. Commercial biofertilizers containing bat guano should be tested for H capsulatum before reaching the market,” they shared.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Histoplasma is a fungus found in soil, bird and bat droppings in areas in the U.S. that causes lung infections.

Health officials said early testing and antifungal treatment help prevent severe infections.

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