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Hungary has announced a ban on mink fur farming due to ‘public health concerns of zoonotic diseases’.
The ban also includes the farming of foxes, polecats/ferrets, and coypu. However, it does not include chinchilla.
The news follows COVID-19 outbreaks on slew of mink fur farms across the globe. Reports now suggest the COVID-19 variant found on a Danish mink fur farm could spark a new coronavirus pandemic.
‘A good outcome for human health’
Dr. Joanna Swabe is the senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe.
In a statement sent to Plant Based News she ‘applaued’ the Hungarian government for enacting the ban.
Swabe said: “Although these species are not currently farmed for fur in the country… This ban is more than just symbol politics. There’s a very real and present danger that fur farmers from elsewhere in Europe may attempt to move their operations to Hungary.
“This is a precautionary measure that shuts the door to that happening. [It] is a good outcome for human health and animal welfare.”
‘Make fur farming history’
Moreover, Swabe points out the ban ‘fails’ to include chinchila, who ‘could also be susceptible to viruses’.
She added: “As long as the animal exploitation of fur farming is tolerated, the potential for reservoirs of animal to human pathogens will persist….
“HSI hopes that the Hungarian government will also consider strengthening its ban by shutting down the country’s chinchilla fur farms too, and make fur farming history in Hungary.”
