Minks In U.S Fur Farms Test Positive For COVID-19

Minks from two different fur farms in Utah, America, have tested positive for coronavirus – the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.

The farms’ employees also tested positive for COVID-19 – but additional testing is taking place to find out who contracted the virus first.

‘Take it seriously’

According to the Washington Post, Utah’s state veterinarian Dean Taylor said there are no ‘immediate plans’ to cull the minks.

He said: “We don’t feel like we have enough information to make that decision at this point.

“Most of these farms have already got good biosecurity. I don’t think they need to worry unduly, but all of us need to take it seriously.”

‘A reservoir for coronaviruses’

Earlier this year, the Dutch Parliament voted in favor of shutting down the country’s remaining mink fur farms – following a series of COVID-19 outbreaks.

An estimated one million mink were culled in the process – and politicians also voted to pay compensation to fur farmers from the public purse

Despite the compensation, overall, the move has been branded a victory by animal advocates. In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Dr. Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for animal protection group Humane Society International/Europe, said: “The intensive breeding of animals on fur farms is an incredibly cruel practice that not only causes immense suffering to animals but can also serve as a reservoir for coronaviruses.

“The Dutch Parliament has today said good riddance to an industry predicated on the out-dated idea that exploiting, depriving and killing animals for frivolous fur fashion is acceptable.