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Suspected Mink-to-Human Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

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Tabitha111 View Drop Down
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    Posted: May 20 2020 at 8:25am

By Scott Weese on May 20, 2020


In the midst of outbreaks of COVID-19 on at least 5 mink farms in the Netherlands, a Reuters article reports that Dutch Agricultural Minister Carola Schouten issued a letter to parliament indicating that a farm worker was infected BY the mink.


That’s a bit surprising to me…with the surprising aspect being an ability to identify mink-human transmission.

How this was determined isn’t clear and more details are needed.

The nuances of what was said also are unclear.

A Google translation of a Dutch news report says mink-human transmission was ‘plausible’ (aannemelijk), while the English Reuters report is more definitive (“A person who worked on a farm where mink are bred to export their fur contracted the coronavirus from the animals:.).


More clarity about that would be good.


From a biological standpoint, mink-human transmission wouldn’t be surprising.

If mink can infect other mink, it makes sense they could infect people with close contact (although close contact with farmed mink is rare).

However, identifying animal-to-human transmission when there’s widespread human-human transmission is a challenge, especially when people can be infected by other people with asymptomatic infections.


Figuring out who a person got infected from can be a challenge in the community.

If someone on a farm gets sick, does that mean they got it from a co-worker, an animal or somewhere off the farm? Evaluation of the genetic sequences of the virus can help figure out who’s linked to who, as subtle changes occur over time, and finding an identical virus in two individuals supports a link….but it doesn’t say which direction or rule out the potential that they were both infected by the same source.

The Dutch report indicates similarities in the gene sequences of viruses from mink and the worker, but that still doesn’t answer the question of ‘who infected who’ by itself.

More information about contacts between the infected worker and other workers, contact between the worker and mink, timing of contacts and disease, and genetic sequences of strains found in people off the farm in that region is needed to better understand the situation. I assume much of that will be coming, so it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds.



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 8:47am

Tabitha111 from Scott Weese I can find [url]https://ovc.uoguelph.ca/pathobiology/people/faculty/Scott-Weese[/url] do you have a link ? 

"plausible" is the way the RIVM/Dutch CDC talks-(it is winter outside, freezing and "something white" "could be snow"). 

In the Dutch press they mention at least one case of mink-human infection (based on sequencing)-possibly more...

[url]https://www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/pets[/url] is the older version of the Dutch version. There it says:


Animal-to-human infection In the Netherlands, there is one report of a possible animal-to-human infection. This contamination occurred on a mink farm where minks were infected with the virus. An employee of the company took care of the mink when it was not yet known that the animals were infected. The employee may have contracted the virus through the mink. Employees must use personal protective equipment at companies where minks have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The chances of animals in households becoming infected with the virus and playing a role in the spread of the virus are very small. And is currently much smaller than the chance that people will infect each other.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 8:49am
'A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.'
--Confucius

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 11:26am

Sounds like payback to me. Just saying...  


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"Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Technophobe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 12:38pm

Nothing we don't richly deserve, really.

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His lips or pen are moving.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 1:25pm

Tabitha111-thanks for the link-interesting. Did you had any trouble with "TS Arthur" ?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 4:20pm

Josh, no...just a lot of rain and super windy today as the tail end moves away...nothing we are not used to here on the coast. I love when it rains!! Very cool outside too...60 degrees, feels like New England.
Hope all is well in your part of the world!


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2020 at 10:19pm

Tabitha, we are in the lower 80's-28C today, extreme drought , brown grass-not realy new but also not very good...our cat loves it    !

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Pixie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 25 2020 at 9:10am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 25 2020 at 9:30am



DJ-In february the Dutch CDC=RIVM claimed Covid19 would not reach the NL since there were no direct flights from Wuhan. 

Again jumping from animals to humans is very serious-even in minks-close to ferrets-known to catch the virus easy (via cats ?)

[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/05/second-person-catches-covid-19-from-a-mink-minister-is-preparing-measures/[/url] ;

A second fur farm worker in the Netherlands is now ‘extremely likely’ to have been infected with Covid-19 by a mink, farming minister Carola Schouten has told MPs. In addition, the minister said, she will announce later this week what measures are to be taken at the country’s mink farms on the basis of findings by veterinary experts. ‘All possible measures are under consideration,’ the minister said. The animal to human infection has taken place on one of the fur farms where mink were found earlier to have coronavirus, but the infection happened before this was known, the minister said. In addition, seven of the 24 cats tested so far have now been found to have coronavirus antibodies, she said. According to local paper Brabants Dagblad, vets have written to the minister criticising her strategy for dealing with coronavirus on fur farms and say that all the mink on some farms will have to be killed to prevent the virus spreading further. They are particularly concerned about one fur farm in Deurne where the owner, his wife and daughter all have coronavirus. He told the paper that he had repeatedly asked for an investigation after a large number of animals developed breathing problems and died. ‘I wear protection but am being exposed to the virus via my animals,’ he said. ‘What are the risks to my family and to people’s health?’ The farmer in question may well be the second person to be infected by a mink, the paper said.

Read more at DutchNews.nl:

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 25 2020 at 9:50am

From [url]https://www.bd.nl/binnenland/opnieuw-medewerker-fokkerij-besmet-door-nerts-brandbrief-dierenartsen-naar-minister-schouten~a99a9eef5/[/url] ;

Veterinarians who regularly visit infected mink farms in the Peel in Brabant send a fire letter to Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten. Mink farmers are also very concerned. This morning, the minister announced that another mink-breeding employee would most likely be infected by the mink with the new coronavirus. It is the second case where an animal appears to have infected a human.

According to Schouten, the new contamination case is comparable to the previous one. Three employees were infected at the company concerned. At least one of them is infected by a mink, according to the ministry, according to an analysis of, among other things, the genetic code of the virus that was found in them.

The infection probably occurred when it was not yet known that mink was infected on this farm, and staff were not yet wearing protective clothing and masks. According to the RIVM, contamination can be prevented with the correct use of protective equipment.

"Too certain"
Meanwhile, veterinarians who regularly visit affected farms, and mink breeders themselves, are deeply concerned. According to them, the Ministry of Agriculture is too firm in its conclusion that the risks of the infected mink farms are "negligible". One company - that of Huub Kuijpers from Deurne - also owns the coronavirus in such a way that more drastic measures are likely to be needed, such as culling the animals.

Last week, the vets sent a fire letter to Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten. In it, they are critical of the investigations into the risk of contamination for the environment and of the "reassuring" messages from the ministry. Public health risks are now zero, but will they remain so? After all, now the bitches have shed and the number of animals on the farms has increased fivefold. The doctors express great concern about the situation, especially in Deurne.

Three members of the Kuijpers family infected


Kuijpers' company in Deurne was the last of five locations where the corona infection was diagnosed. Kuijpers himself has also been infected, just like his wife and oldest daughter. All six family members had previously been tested negative. That is why Kuijpers takes into account that he has been infected through the animals. Last Tuesday, it was announced that an animal-to-human infection had been detected worldwide: by an employee of one of the affected mink companies. Huub Kuijpers could easily be the second.

Kuijpers is very worried, he says. His company is not investigated despite repeated urges, while animal mortality rates are high: about 10 percent of the dams have died. There is also a large dropout rate among newborn puppies. The sick animals, often struggling with severe breathing problems, are dear to the mink keeper. ,, The disease is not as mild here as with the first companies, but I do not read anything about it in parliamentary letters or press releases. My company hardly receives any attention. I find that very detrimental. ”

"I am exposed to virus every day"
He lives in fear every day, he says. "It literally wakes me up at night. I wear protection, but I am always exposed to the virus in the animals. What are the risks to my family? For public health? I believe the government when it says that there is now negligible risk outside the companies. But how will that develop in the coming months? ”

They are uncertainties that don't have to be there. It is a doom scenario for every farmer, but both the veterinarians and Kuijpers themselves would proceed to cull as a precaution. "Why risk it perpetuating, given the welfare of the animals and the potential health risks?"

Concerns taken seriously at Ministry
The veterinarians of Pecon in Gemert and Promix in Beringe in Limburg have since received a response to their burn letter to Minister Schouten. Concerns about mink infestations have been taken seriously, says Promix's Kevin Willems. ,, But what we miss is the transfer. Good investigations are being carried out at the first companies, all registers have been opened, but not yet in Deurne. And that is necessary, given the clinical picture and the many uncertainties. ”

Willems tells his story together with the mink farmers Martijn van den Boogaard from Beek en Donk and Huub Kuijpers (by telephone because of his corona contamination) in Deurne-Walsberg. They are ringing the bell together, now that their own experiences are not consistent with the content of reports from the ministry. In Kuijpers' company on the Vinkenweg in Deurne, the mortality rates are high and there is a serious animal welfare problem: many minks with respiratory problems, which are euthanized as soon as possible to prevent unbearable suffering.

The letter also contains critical comments regarding the investigation into the risk of contamination outside the house. The air samples were taken from the companies where the mink symptoms were already decreasing at that time. “No studies have been conducted at the companies where the infection was later diagnosed and where the symptoms were still fully present. That surprises us, ”says Willems.

Air samples when occupancy was still minimal
In addition, the studies were done when the occupation of the stables was still minimal. In an annual cycle on a mink farm, the bitches shed in April and May. Within a few weeks, this means a five-fold increase in the number of animals and, moreover, intensive contacts between the caretakers and the animals. "I am concerned about that," says Martijn van den Boogaard. ,, Suppose there will be a second wave soon. Then the situation is fundamentally different from the beginning of March, with an additional 30,000 unprotected animals. What happens then? I don't want my conscience to have anyone in my area infected by my company. ”


While Kuijpers would find a clearance "the most reassuring", Van den Boogaard is different. The situation seems to be under control at the company in Beek en Donk. Yes, the virus is still dormant, but mortality rates are limited, as are the disease symptoms in the animals. Veterinarian Willems: "It is up to the government to decide whether to clear up, but there is no acute animal welfare problem here." Van den Boogaard: "Yes, if it is necessary to clean up in the interest of public health, I would understand that."

Research program ends on Monday
In principle, the research program at his company will be completed on Monday, but Van den Boogaard hopes that the researchers will "stay on top of it". “So don't scale down. In the coming weeks and months, it should become clear to what extent the dams have passed on the antibodies to the puppies and how sensitive they are. A crucial phase is coming. ”

And that is why, the letter from the veterinarians to Minister Schouten concludes, 'care should be taken with the conclusion that the emission of the virus to the environment is negligible'.While Kuijpers would find a clearance' the most reassuring ', that is different at Van den Boogaard. The situation seems to be under control at the company in Beek en Donk. Yes, the virus is still dormant, but mortality rates are limited, as are the disease symptoms in the animals. Veterinarian Willems: "It is up to the government to decide whether to clear up, but there is no acute animal welfare problem here." Van den Boogaard: "Yes, if it is necessary to clean up in the interest of public health, I would understand that."

Research program ends on Monday
In principle, the research program at his company will be completed on Monday, but Van den Boogaard hopes that the researchers will "stay on top of it". “So don't scale down. In the coming weeks and months, it should become clear to what extent the dams have passed on the antibodies to the puppies and how sensitive they are. A crucial phase is coming. ”

And that is why, the letter from the veterinarians to Minister Schouten concludes, "care should be taken with the conclusion that the emission of the virus to the environment is negligible."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 25 2020 at 9:41pm

DJ-On [url]https://www.q-koorts.nl/over-q-koorts/historie/[/url] there is a map of the 2007 (largest ever global) Q-fever outbreak. (With possibly over a 100.000 cases). When you look at the present Covid19 map for the NL the epicenter is in the same area. From [url]https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-koortsepidemie_in_Nederland[/url] ;


In 2008, an outbreak with more than a thousand infections occurred. Mainly due to the tenacity of GP Alfons Olde Loohuis in the Brabant town of Herpen, where many cases had already been identified in the summer of 2007, more attention was paid to the infections. However, as public health interests lost ground to farmers' interests, it took a long time before effective measures were taken. In 2009 it became clear that the disease had spread over a large part of the Netherlands, a total of 4,000 cases of illness were registered. At least 25 people have died from the complications of Q fever, according to the official count. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the official figures are underestimated; the actual figures are almost certainly considerably higher. [1] The Q-support foundation adjusted the death toll upwards to 74 deaths at the end of May 2016. [2] November 2018, the number of fatalities was revised upwards to 95. [3]

DJ-What I would hate to find out;

-Since the mink-to-human transfer did take place in the epicentre of Covid19 in NL-with also the first reported cases, did minks get infected already in end february/early march ????

-Did the virus from the minks spread out over a larger area and infect hundreds/thousends of people ?

-Did the virus spread to cats (from minks and/or humans) and will the virus go cat-to-cat, maybe become endemic ? 

The RIVM played down the q-fever outbreak, now claims "minimum risks" with unprecedented two mink-to-human transfers. Local farmers, GP's, veterenarians are pushing for an investigation but the RIVM does not show much interest. 

This story could be bigger than what we are told now (with some government agencies trying to hide their mistakes). 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2020 at 12:15am

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/05/25/mink-farms-3-people-infected-coronavirus-animals[/url] ;

There may have been another case of mink to human coronavirus transmission at a second mink farm in the Netherlands. Three people who work at this mink farm have a coronavirus that has a genetic code very similar to the virus found in minks on the farm, Ministers Carola Schouten of Agriculture and Hugo de Jonge of Public Health said in a letter to parliament.

So a second farm and there three infections ? 

"On the basis of the information available, it is most likely that at least one of the three infected persons was infected by a mink," the Ministers said. The other two may have gotten the virus from the first infected person, or also from a mink. Based on the available data, that is impossible to say, the Ministers said.

DJ-So  three persons infected A-3xmink human or 1xmink human-then 2x that human to other humans ? 

Schouten reported the first possible case of mink to human coronavirus transmission at a Dutch mink farm last week. In the meantime, the RIVM investigated everyone that this mink farm worker had contact with and found that none of them had a coronavirus with a genetic code that matches the one the farm worker has. "This supports the conclusion that it is plausible that there was a contamination of mink on human," the Ministers said on Monday. 

(DJ-First case)

According to the Ministers, in this second case too the infection "probably" happened before it was known that the mink on the farm had the coronavirus, and thus before workers were instructed to wear protective gear. "The RIVM has indicated that the correct and consistent use of personal protective equipment in the stables of an infected mink farm prevents infection. The RIVM also assessed that the risk of human exposure to the virus outside the stable is negligible and that has not changed due to this new research result," the Ministers said. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2020 at 4:10am




How close geneticly are  ferrets to minks? 

In Wuhan, people were killing their cats......

Did/do they know something we don't.....?

It's really not that far fetched to think it can jump species,and back again..


i mean that's how we got into this situation.....

And,who knows what recombination  comes forth!!????




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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2020 at 7:06am

Dutch Mink Farm COVID-19 Update

By Scott Weese on May 26, 2020


The outbreaks that have occurred on at least 5 Dutch mink farms are pretty interesting. As described by ProMedMail, the Dutch Agriculture Minister has provided another report -Dutch version here: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen/carola-schouten/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/05/25/kamerbrief-ontwikkelingen-covid-19-op-nertsenbedrijven 


Another suspected mink-to-human transmission has been identified (with potentially two others on the farm). This appears to be from a different farm than the first suspected mink-human infection. The route of transmission is presumed to be mink-to-human based on the gene sequences. The sequence data I saw earlier seem consistent with that, but it’s hard to be 100% certain.


There’s also some more information about barn cats. On mink farms, cats would rarely have direct contact with mink (mink would try to eat them if any part of the cat was within reach), but they would have access to mink manure, which typically falls from wire cage flooring to the ground.

They have now identified antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from 7/24 cats on one farm, indicating previous infection. Virus was also found in one cat, indicating an active infection. Whether all cats got infected via mink or whether there was subsequent cat-cat transmission will be pretty much impossible to discern.


While a lot needs to be determined with these outbreaks, information to date highlights some important themes


SARS-CoV-2 is predominantly a human virus but it can spill back into other animals

While most transmission is human-human, some infected animals can send the virus back to people, and infect other animals. (That shouldn’t come as a surprise, although sadly the One Health response to this virus has been pretty disappointing.)

Keeping infected people away from animals, as well as from other people, is important. It’s better to prevent human-animal infection than to have to figure out how to deal with infected animals and worry about spread into wildlife.

Reducing the number and closeness of interactions, be they human-human, human-animal or animal-animal (within reason) and using practical precautions when distancing can’t be maintained (e.g. masks, use of gloves and other protective equipment when handling animals in high risk situations) are the key control measures for this virus.

The fact that there are multiple affected farms in the Netherlands but no reports elsewhere needs to be considered.

It’s unlikely Dutch mink farmers are more likely to be infected or have closer contact with their mink. There’s reluctance in some countries to consider animals or test them, so whether this is a uniquely Dutch situation or a more common problem that’s not been diagnosed or reported elsewhere is a good question.

Hopefully mink farmers everywhere are paying attention to this situation and implementing some control measures. It’s tough to use really good infection control practices, considering how mink farms are managed and how many animals may need to be handled on a given day (e.g. when thousands are being vaccinated), but measures to reduce human-mink contact, use appropriate PPE, identify problems early and keep wildlife (and cats) away from mink barns are important.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2020 at 7:56am

[url]https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2020/05/articles/animals/other-animals/dutch-mink-farm-covid-19-update/[/url] 

DJ-On one farm there are 50 people working, cats like the mink food (and may deal with mice that mink can not eat/reach). I find it all a crazy-typical Dutch story. You would expect other countries to have large Q-fever, legionella, outbreaks-somehow the Dutch find a way to get extreme outbreaks. 

Even if a virus jumped from a mink to a human-and than that person infected two other persons-the virus load was strong enough to cause infections. 

My gut feeling is that there is (a lot) more on/in this story (and lots of groups that do not want much attention for it). Good that Scot Weese is also trying to get info. In the letter the agriculture-minister send to parlement it is also mentioned tests were taken in the enviroment of the two farms to see if the mink-virus did infect people living nearby. The covid-19 cases living in the area had not a virus that came from a mink. 

At what time cats (with antibodies) were infected remains unclear. (So also the question did a cat get infected by a human and spread it to the minks ?). 

[url]https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/3209171/poolvossen-uit-nertsenfokkerij-twee-weken-onder-de-pannen-in-zoo-veldhoven[/url] At one farm there were also five polar foxes "as a hobby"-they are now in quarantine in a nearby zoo. (Most likely not infected-maybe illegally held). [url]https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/3209301/besmette-nertsenfokkerijen-worden-nog-niet-geruimd-maar-is-ook-geen-taboe[/url] In Dutch parlement opposition-with Animal Rights Party in the lead-remind the minister of the Q-fever outbreak and demand action (=end mink farms). [url]https://www.bd.nl/politiek/minister-ruimen-van-besmette-nertsenfokkerijen-is-geen-taboe~ab2cdfb8/[/url] Opposition parties fear reservoir for the virus in minks. 

[url]https://www.wur.nl/en/Research-Results/Research-Institutes/Bioveterinary-Research/show-bvr/Questions-and-answers-regarding-infection-with-COVID-19-in-mink.htm[/url]

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 26 2020 at 11:12am

Personally, I would be in favor of the "no mink farms" ...why have them if they are a danger for outbreaks?   Just like the Chinese wet markets!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 27 2020 at 10:28pm

DJ-No mink farms would include killing all the mink-puppies just born.....but we have to end this idiocy ! Not only for healthrisks but also for ethical reasons !

[url]https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/3209386/besmette-nertsenfokkerij-ruimen-honden-en-katten-ophokken-gemeente-luidt-noodklok[/url] The municipality-counsel of the municipality were one of the infected farms is did make four conclusions;

1-Corona at a mink farm is culling the minks

2-All the cats and dogs in a 500 meter radius of the infected farm have to stay inside (a bit late for that-but basic idea is good)

3-In susspected cases warningsigns around the farm

4-Direct action-not just after a week. 

DJ-Problem with this is that maybe even warning signs are not a matter of the municipality...the government should act (and pay). 

If Covid19 starts spreading via animals (cats, rabbits, ferrets [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret[/url] domisticated polecats) in NW Europe we know how it started.... 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2020 at 12:41pm


DJ-At least some steps-in my opinion the only safe option is ending ALL mink farming. (And yes that means those minks will be killed earlier-killing animals for fur I find disgusting-should have ended years ago. ) It is good they see the risk of virus-spread in cats, etc. but the only way to deal with it is stop mink-farming. 

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/05/28/ban-mink-transports-barn-visits-covid-research[/url]

Mink can no longer be transported in the Netherlands, nor can people visit the animals on farms, according to a letter by two prominent ministers directed to the parliament on Thursday.

The new guidelines, laid out by the Ministers of Health and Agriculture, Hugo de Jonge and Carola Schouten respectively, are designed to minimize the risk of animal-to-human transmission of Covid-19. In effect, they put an end to the transport of mink and mink manure, ensure that hygiene protocols are in place for people exposed to the animals, and ban visitors from entering barns where mink are kept.

"These measures concern all mink farms in the Netherlands and not only those where there is an infection found it," added the ministers.


In addition, the guidelines stipulate that mink farmers must prevent dogs, cats and ferrets from entering and leaving mink farms as much as possible, and recommend that mink farmers with symptoms of illness be tested for Covid-19.

Schouten and De Jonge added that they will draw up a more complete recommendation after the Outbreak Management Team's zoonosis arm convenes next week. "All measures imaginable will be considered. We inform the House [of Representatives] on this as soon as possible next week," they wrote.

The news follows after weeks of concern around the risk of mink-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus, with Schouten asserting last week that a link between the two is plausible. Earlier this month, the government also made screening for Covid-19 antibodies compulsory for mink farmers, in order to keep an eye on the risk.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2020 at 4:06pm

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/ferrets-potential-ally-in-the-search-for-coronavirus-vaccine/



This is why I asked if ferrets and mink are related geneticly?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Technophobe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2020 at 4:36pm

Yes, both are musterlids; as are badgers, otters, polecat, stoats, weasel and pine martins.


From Wikipedia (demonstrating how poor my attempt to spell musterlid is)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink

Mink

Species
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Subfamily:
Genus:

Neovison vison
Neovison macrodon
Mustela lutreola 

and  Ferret https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret

Synonyms
Trinomial name
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Mustelidae
Genus:Mustela
Species:
Subspecies:
M. p. furo
Mustela putorius furo

Mustela furo Linnaeus, 1758 

That is about as close as two separate species gets - appart from sub species.  They might even be co-fertile, although offspring would probably be mules (ie. sterile).

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2020 at 6:08pm

Ergo.....

Highly probable 

That minks are a vector.....

Can you imagine if it gets into native wildlife.....

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 01 2020 at 7:39am

DJ-There seems to be an outbreak of disease in [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hedgehog[/url] cases reported in southern NL and Belgium (the mink covid19 outbreak is in southern part of NL). 

(DJ-Maybe relation with [url]https://www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/portfolio/erinaceus-coronavirus-infection-in-hedgehogs/[/url] ????)

From the Dutch Hedgehog fund/group via translate [url]https://www.egelbescherming.nl/nieuws/onbekende-besmettelijke-egelziekte-rukt-op/[/url] Some symptoms sound like Covid19 (???) ([url]https://www.dwhc.nl/en/[/url] )


Unknown infectious hedgehog disease is advancing By HEDGEPROTECTION THE NETHERLANDS on 31 MAY 2020
At the end of April, the first reports appeared in Belgium that an unknown infectious disease had broken out among hedgehogs. A few days ago it became clear that the disease is already prevalent in the south of the Netherlands and is progressing rapidly. Symptoms - spots / abscesses / wounds on the forehead, nose, ears, eyes and jaw are most common; - spots / abscesses / wounds on front and hind legs are also common; In addition, the following symptoms occur to a lesser extent: - thickened tongue; - abscesses / inflammations all over the body; - tightness of the breath; - nasal infections; - affected toes. Cause and survivability At the moment, a lot of research is being done in Belgium and the Netherlands and sections are being carried out to formulate answers to all questions as quickly as possible. The correct medication has not yet been found and the chances of survival are currently between 30 and 40%. Hedgehog Disease Working Group 2020 In the meantime, we have contacted the DWHC (Dutch Wildlife Health Center), RIVM, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Utrecht, the University of Ghent and the veterinarians involved in the research. The Working Group Hedgehog Disease 2020 arose from this. Research is ongoing but must be done alongside regular work. So resources and time are limited and scarce. With the establishment of the Working Group Hedgehog Disease 2020, we will collect all information and share it with the universities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. We will inform all shelters and animal ambulances what measures to take. Of course we hope that the cause for which a treatment is found will be found soon, but the researchers, pathologists and veterinarians all indicate that this will be a long way. Especially because of the limitations of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and limited capacity to perform autopsy on the victims. Rapid spread The disease is rapidly advancing and has already reached the center of the Netherlands. Dozens of hedgehogs have already died of this disease and the first cases in Utrecht, Krommenie and Nijmegen have been reported. The first young animals in the south are already infected. The disease is spreading very quickly and due to the mating time the animals are looking for each other and the young animals will also be infected by their mother again. Contamination will therefore take place even faster.

Quarantine

We have tried to realize a quarantine at the University of Utrecht, but because of the coronavirus no students can be deployed and there is no room for this research.

In order to limit the extent of the spread, it is necessary to set up a separate large quarantine room as soon as possible where the hedgehogs that are still in the early stages can be treated. We have contacted the municipality of Huizen directly. We will hear more next week.

This space should be created as soon as possible. The pathologists, veterinarians and other scientists will advise us with medical care, but the daily treatments and general care will be entirely with the Hedgehog Protection Netherlands.

Emergency action

We need materials and manpower for the realization of this quarantine.

First of all, the space must be furnished with pens, facilities, work tables, etc. Due to the high degree of contamination, work will have to be very hygienic. This requires the purchase of the already very scarce protective materials. Due to the coronavirus, prices are high and the materials are difficult to obtain.

We are very busy generating money, but the procedures usually take a long time and we do not have that time. So that's why we ask for your help in the form of a gift. Every euro is welcome. We expect to run this department at least until January 1, 2021, but due to the extremely high degree of contamination, it is likely that this will take much longer.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 01 2020 at 8:56am

DJ-Another 3 (possible 4) mink farms with Covid19 (translate) ;

Minks at three Brabant companies infected with coronavirus
Mink has been infected with the corona virus at three other Brabant companies, the cabinet announced today. In total, animals were infected at six different mink farms at eight locations.
Of the three infected companies, two are located in the municipality of Sint Anthonis near Helmond and one in Gemert-Bakel. There is also suspicion at a fourth company in Venray. Further research is being conducted at that company. This is evident from the results of the mandatory surveys that are currently being carried out among all mink farms. Minister Hugo de Jonge of Health and Minister Carola Schouten of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality write this in a letter to the House of Representatives.

The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has been asked to include these new infections in their advice. Based on the advice of the OMT, Minister De Jonge and Minister Schouten may take additional measures next Wednesday regarding the problems on mink farms.

Submit cadavers

The three, possibly four, new infections came to light after Minister Schouten identified the coronavirus as an infectious animal disease on 19 May. Since then, all mink companies have to send in carcasses every week of animals that have died of natural causes. "These are examined pathologically and with laboratory research (PCR) for the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2", write Schouten and De Jonge. Fifty mink companies have been investigated so far.

In addition to this so-called "early warning" study, one-off blood samples are taken from all mink farms. The samples are then examined in a laboratory. "If antibodies are found, it means that there was or may still be a SARS-CoV-2 infection at that company." The results of this blood sample test have yet to be announced.
Of the three infect Team (OMT) has b

 Since then, all mink coresearlaboratory. "If antibodies are found to be announced.

In total, since April 26, a total of six mink farms with eight locations have been infected with the virus. In addition to the new infections in Gemert-Bakel and Sint Anthonis, it also concerns companies in the municipalities of Laarbeek and Deurne. At the end of last week, a national ban on the transport of mink and manure of those animals was introduced to prevent further spread.

Additional research
After previously finding infected animals on four mink farms, the cabinet announced an additional investigation. For the time being, the Cabinet assumes that the infections found on four Brabant mink farms do not pose a risk of infection to the immediate vicinity. The virus was not found in air and dust samples taken. But if the virus continues to circulate among minks for a longer period of time, it can also lead to new infections in humans in the long term. That is why extra research is being done, especially in the puppies that have been born in recent weeks. If they are also contaminated, there is a risk that such a 'reservoir' will arise.

Minister Schouten stated last week that the clearing of corona-infected mink farms is not a taboo, but is only being used as the ultimate means. She also announced last week that another employee of a mink farm was most likely infected by a mink with the coronavirus.

It was the second case where an animal appears to have infected a human. Veterinarians who regularly visit infected mink farms in the Peel in Brabant sent a fire letter to the agriculture minister early last week. Mink farmers are also very concerned.

Reporting obligation
At the end of April, the minister already instituted a notification obligation for mink farmers, veterinarians and persons in research institutions. Respiratory problems and increased mortality in minks have since been reported to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The measure followed the discovery of mink infected with corona at two mink breeders in Brabant (Gemert-Brakel and Laarbeek). The animals showed various symptoms including respiratory problems.

According to the ministry, previous research has shown that ferrets - which also include mink - are susceptible to infections with the lung virus. For the time being, RIVM does not assume that mink infestations pose an additional risk to public health.

In any case, the end is in sight for mink farms in the Netherlands. They must all be closed by 2024. Some parties would like to see the government take action to accelerate the corona crisis. But Schouten only sees an opportunity for this if mink farmers themselves choose to stop earlier.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 03 2020 at 7:17am

[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/06/thousands-of-mink-on-dutch-fur-farms-to-be-culled-to-clear-coronavirus-risk/[/url]

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/06/03/mink-coronavirus-infected-farms-culled-report[/url] ;

All the mink on Dutch mink farms infected with the coronavirus will be culled in the interest of public health, sources in The Hague said to RTL Nieuws. This involves thousands of animals from six companies with a total of eight locations in Gemert-Bakel, Laarbeek, Deurne, and Sint Anthonis, the broadcaster reported.

The cabinet will publish a letter about this later on Wednesday. The expectation is that the mink will be culled shortly after the decision is officially announced. They will be gassed in installations already on the farms - the animals are normally gassed before they are stripped of their fur, according to the broadcaster.

Last week experts said in a parliamentary briefing that the infected farms could pose a risk to public health. Especially if the coronavirus is in decline among the population, a reservoir in mink farms could be a real problem. There have been at least two Netherlands cases of a mink farm worker getting the coronavirus from a mink, which then could have been passed on to others.

All mink farms are currently being investigated for the coronavirus and possible animal-to-human transmission. Strict safety measures apply at all infected companies. 

Mink farms will be banned in the Netherlands from 2024, according to a decision made in 2013. The breeders will not be compensated for the animals that are culled, RTL Nieuws reported. 

[url]https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2020/06/articles/uncategorized/more-dutch-mink-with-covid-19/[/url]

The COVID-19 situation in the Dutch mink industry continues to evolve. Dutch authorities are now reporting outbreaks on 8 farms (with one more suspected), as part of their broader investigation of the industry. After identifying outbreaks on multiple farms, broader national surveillance was started, declaring this a reportable disease and starting routine testing on mink that die unexpectedly.

Today, it was apparently decided that all mink on affected farms will be culled. That’s been under discussion for a while and it’s not overly surprising given the large numbers of affected mink and identification of mink-human transmission. I wouldn’t be completely surprised to see all mink farms depopulated in the Netherlands. The industry is being closed down in the country, with a 2024 deadline. So, discussion of speeding up that timeframe isn’t surprising if this continues to spread to and on farms. I’ve heard that the impending ban has largely resulted in shifting production to some eastern European countries (with fewer restrictions, so probably no better, if not worse, for mink overall). Transportation of mink has been banned in the Netherlands, so presumably it will just be mink farmers, not mink, that migrate. What’s going on on Chinese mink farms is also a concern, since China accounts for a large percentage of global mink production.

Fortunately, not many people or other animals have contact with mink. Mink seem particularly susceptible….a good reminder of why we need to pay attention to emerging diseases and consider potential host ranges. If other domestic animals or wildlife were as susceptible as mink, that would create an even bigger problem than we have now.

(DJ-Also interesting but off-topic [url]https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2020/06/articles/animals/dogs/sars-cov-2-in-dogs-usa/[/url])

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 07 2020 at 6:25am

DJ-By government plans mink-farming will end in 2024. Infected farms now have their minks killed/gassed. But government is not willing to stop restarting these farms within some months. 

[url]https://www.furfreealliance.com/calls-for-global-closure-of-mink-fur-farms-as-dutch-government-orders-cull-and-confirms-mink-fur-farms-could-act-as-reservoir-for-covid-19/[/url]

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 10 2020 at 12:17am

DJ-No news yet of new mink-to-human transfer cases. With four new farms being infected-employees getting tested-those numbers may go up. also no further news on infection from mink into cats, hedgehogs, rabbits etc. (DJ-Makes me wonder if they are testing for it.)[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/06/10/coronavirus-infections-another-four-mink-farms[/url] ;

Animals at another four mink farms in Noord-Brabant and Limburg were found to have the coronavirus, Minister Carola Schouten of Agriculture said in a letter to parliament. The mink on the farms will be culled and destroyed, NOS reports.

The farms involved are located in Landhorst in the municipality of Sint Anthonis, in Volkel and in Casternay. In total, the coronavirus was found at 13 farms in the Netherlands. Three of the four new outbreaks were identified by investigating mink carcasses - breeders are obliged to send carcasses in for this investigation weekly. The fourth was identified after a report.

There have also been a handful of cases of mink farm workers getting the coronavirus from the animals. 

The NVWA started culling the animals at the infected mink farms last week. The authority can do to or three companies per day. The mink on the newly infected farms will be killed this week.

The source of the new infections is not yet known, Schouten said. The authority on consumer product safety and food quality NVWA is investigating. Employees can be tested for the virus.

[url]https://www.furfreealliance.com/[/url]

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 10 2020 at 1:42am






Probably not testing.....

Do we really want to know.... Lol

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 26 2020 at 7:19am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 02 2020 at 12:29am

[url]https://www.furfreealliance.com/dutch-mps-voted-overwhelmingly-in-favour-of-shutting-down-mink-fur-farms-in-the-netherlands/[/url] DJ-The cabinet /government does-for the moment-not follow that decission-first wants to "evaluate". 

[url]https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/rabbit-haemorrhagic-disease[/url] and [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_hemorrhagic_disease[/url] maybe jumped to hedgehogs ? (So Covid19 did not go that way ????) (Thanks Newbie1A for putting this newsitem on the forum)

DJ-I have not seen any further infected  NL mink cases being reported-maybe it is seen as "old news" or maybe there are no new findings. Covid19 spreading to other animals is a major concern. [url]http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/21/c_139154489.htm[/url] In Denmark also a dog was infected at a minkfarm recently ? 

(Must be the DK press release [url]https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/covid19-spreads-to-another-mink-farm-in-denmark-as-dog-found-infected/1872602[/url] "journalism at its best")

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 03 2020 at 2:43am

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/07/03/coronavirus-found-another-mink-farm-animals-culled[/url] and [url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/07/coronavirus-found-in-mink-in-18th-fur-farm-ministry-not-planning-to-end-industry-early/[/url] DJ-Mink farms have to report if minks show any symptoms-this 18th case came to light this way. Earlier recent cases were found in dead minks send to laboratory to be tested. 

I believe we may have around 140 minkfarms in NL. Of them now 18 had infections-13% of the farms. The first reported cases were from half of may-so in 1,5 month we did see infection in 13% of all the minkfarms in NL-including the largest one. I do not know the exact number of minks involved but maybe up to 20% of all the Dutch minks may have been culled by now. 

[url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink_industry_in_Denmark[/url] In Denmark fur-industry is seen as a major economic activity ? In NL it will have ended by 2024 by law-may end sooner by Covid19. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 06 2020 at 2:44am

DJ-There were 128 "fur-farms" in NL in 2019-most of them keep minks. Of them now 20 did see Covid19 infections. 

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/07/06/yet-another-mink-farm-infected-coronavirus-12000-animals-culled[/url] (DJ-I believe in case 19-saturday-also a farm dog tested positive). :

Mink on a mink farm in Gemert, Noord-Brabant, were found to be infected with the coronavirus. The 12 thousand mink on the farm will be culled on Monday, the Ministries of Public Health and Agriculture announced. That brings the total Dutch mink farms with coronavirus outbreaks to 20.

On Saturday, the coronavirus was found at another mink farm in Gemert with 7 thousand animals. And last week the same happened at a farm in Landhorst, also in Noord-Brabant. The animals at 18 of the 20 infected farms have already been culled. The two in Gemert will happen today.

Responsible Ministers Hugo de Jonge of Public Health and Carola Schouten of Agriculture decided that all animals on infected farms had to be killed, because there have been cases of mink-to-human transmission. 

The Ministers also implemented a national ban on transporting mink. No visitors are allowed in the stables, and strict hygiene protocols were implemented. The cabinet is also working on a scheme to help mink farmers voluntarily terminate their business. Mink farming will be illegal in the Netherlands from 2024. 

According to broadcaster NOS, the Netherlands counted 128 companies farming fur animals last year. In practice, these are mainly mink farms. Most breeding farms are in Noord-Brabant, with the municipality of Gemert-Bakel being known as the "mink capital". 

[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/07/coronavirus-leading-to-plagues-of-vermin-rats-top-the-list/[/url] 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 06 2020 at 11:43am

How many will "voluntarily" terminate their business? Isn't mink farming very lucrative? Of course, having to cull all the mink is probably hurting them greatly.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 06 2020 at 9:50pm

Tabitha111, I think the Dutch government has not yet decided on what compensation to offer if mink-farmers stop. They do get a compensation if minks need to be killed because of Covid19. Stopping all mink-transports is also not making this kind of "bussiness" go well. [url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/07/coronavirus-found-on-two-more-mink-farms-19000-animals-destroyed/[/url] 

As far as I know/believe (I do not have the facts) the demand for fur-products most likely is decreasing. Fur production may be shifting to low cost countries-were there may also be a market for fur products (Ukraine, Russia etc) and less rules a.o. on animal wellbeing. Fur coats are not very popular-but fur in gloves, shoes etc still may find a market.

Here in the NL fur production is concentrated in a "poorer"part of the SE of the country. Large catholic families (religion matters in this story because of familyseize-often more than 10 children in one family up till the 60's/70's-the picture I have of mink farms is that most of them are relatively small run by over 50y/o-in that way the future is already limited) on not that good land for other production did bring al kind of animal "production"in a relative small concentrated area. From pigs to minks-but also a lot of people emigrated around the globe from this area in the last decades.

Still this area has limited high/rail-way connections. [url]https://www.furfreealliance.com/fur-farming/[/url] Pressure groups sometimes forget about the socio-economic background. These farms do provide a lot of low education-jobs. Solutions will cost a lot of money and no one seems to be willing to invest in these area's. 

Basically I think Dutch politics will go for the low cost hard solution-let the mink farms go bankrupt by limiting their possibilities and international competition. Covid19 is "helping" in that-in my opinion-unfair strategy. It increases population risks but saves the government several millions...


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 09 2020 at 1:57pm

DJ-In short-another two mink farms infected with Covid19. Minks will get killed and destroyed. Total of 22 farms of 128 infected. "Safety region" is calling for an end of all mink farming in their area-with as a precaution all minks killed/destroyed (and no restarting with new minks-so end of mink-fur farming). No English links yet. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote EdwinSm, Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 16 2020 at 8:20am

From a different part of the world...

Originally posted by "BBC Live News" "BBC Live News" wrote:

The government of the Spanish region of Aragon announced Thursday the slaughter of 92,700 mink after a number of the animals tested positive for coronavirus.

In May authorities closed the mink farm in La Puebla de Valverde when seven employees tested positive for the virus. Since then they have been monitoring the animals. 

Although the mink have not been behaving strangely and there has been no rise in mortality among them, Monday’s test showed 78 of 90 mink sampled had the virus. As a result, officials ordered the cull to prevent the spread among other animals. 

Aragon’s Department of Agriculture added that it “cannot determine if there is transmission from humans to animals or vice versa,” and that this decision was taken “as a preventive measure”.   

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 19 2020 at 5:58am

I think folks on here (I don't see this much anywhere else) are going to be so educated on mink and mink farms!

I see this has been posted already - was going to post about Spain culling their mink farms (as they too have been infected!) but Edwin beat me to it!


Mink seem to be HIGHLY susceptible to this virus!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote WitchMisspelled Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 19 2020 at 6:24am

I think this is important considering if this virus made the leap to minks, what other animals can it make the leap to.   Wild minks?  Weasles, badgers, ferrets?  The last thing we need is a wild reservoir when we don't even have a viable treatment to this virus. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Tabitha111 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 19 2020 at 8:01am

I agree. Which is why I keep reporting on animal issues.  They do not get as much attention and I feel they are very important.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 20 2020 at 3:07am

DJ-[url]https://www.gelderlander.nl/binnenland/advies-alle-nertsenfokkerijen-preventief-ruimen-als-besmettingen-nog-een-maand-aanhouden~aacb9afd/[/url] Basic-if outbreaks continu till mid august on Dutch mink farms the Dutch "Outbreak Management Team OMT" calls for ending mink-farming to avoid a reservoir for the virus getting created. 

[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/07/coronavirus-infestation-spreads-to-25th-dutch-mink-farm/[/url] ;

Coronavirus has been detected on another mink farm in the Netherlands, bringing the total to 25. The agriculture ministry confirmed that cubs being prepared for transport on the farm in Westerbeek, Noord-Brabant, tested positive for the virus. All 1,100 adult females and their young will be put down. The government tightened transport restrictions for mink on 10 July in the light of previous outbreaks. So far more than a million animals have been destroyed as a result of coronavirus infections. The mink farming industry is being scaled down and is due to be abolished in 2024.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 27 2020 at 3:52am

DJ-By now close to 20% of Dutch mink-farms did see Covid19-infection. 

[url]https://nltimes.nl/2020/07/27/coronavirus-another-mink-farm-26-nl-farms-infected[/url];

Given the several weeks long incubation period of SARS-CoV-2, the Ministries believe that some new infections will still be found in the coming weeks.  If there are still new infections after mid-August, the government will have to consider proactively culling mink on fur farms, instead of doing so only after an infection was confirmed, the Ministers said last week. 

[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/07/coronavirus-closes-26th-mink-farm-in-brabant-and-seal-sanctuary-in-groningen/[/url] ;

All 3,500 adult female mink on the farm in Oploo, in the municipality of Sint Anthonius near Helmond, will be exterminated as a precaution. More than a million mink have been killed since the virus was first found in May. Several farm workers are thought to have been infected by the animals. Meanwhile, volunteers at the Pieterburen seal sanctuary in northern Groningen have gone into quarantine as a precaution after one of their colleagues from Switzerland tested positive for coronavirus. The sanctuary has been closed to visitors from Monday. Anyone who bought tickets in advance will be refunded. ‘All our colleagues are needed now to ensure the seals can be looked after in our rehabilitation centre,’ said the organisers in a statement.

Read more at DutchNews.nl:

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