SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (AP) — State wildlife officials say an emerging snake disease similar to one that has killed millions of bats has been found in a wild Georgia snake.

Officials from the Department of Natural Resources say an emaciated mud snake in Bulloch County tested positive for snake fungal disease — which can cause scabs, crusty scales and more on a snake's skin.

Officials say the impact the disease could have on Georgia snakes isn't yet clear, but a similar disease in Illinois killed nearly all the snakes that showed signs of infection. Wildlife officials say snakes are harder to monitor than many other animals, so learning more about the disease may be difficult.