Release Date: October 8, 2020
DATCP CONTACT: Kevin Hoffman, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5005,
kevin.hoffman@wi.gov
DHS CONTACT: (608) 266-1683, DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Taylor County Mink Test Positive for Coronavirus
MADISON — The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirms that dead mink at a Taylor County mink farm have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID19 in humans. This is the first confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection among Wisconsin’s mink population.
The NVSL confirmed the positive result after preliminary testing was conducted by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has quarantined all animals on the farm, meaning no animals or animal products may leave the premise. As this is an active investigation, no information about the farm or parties involved will be released.
DATCP is coordinating with the Department of Natural Resources, Taylor County Health Department, Department of Health Services (DHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WVDL, and a local veterinarian to provide assistance to the farm. The response includes appropriate carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfecting the animal areas, and protecting human and animal health.
Wisconsin is the second state with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 at a mink farm; Utah confirmed its first cases on August 17. There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to humans. However, people infected with the virus can spread it to mink and other animals.
People suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are encouraged to avoid contact with pets and other animals while they are completing their home isolation to protect the animals from infection. DHS encourages everyone to follow these simple steps to stop the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask in public, keep 6 feet apart, wash your hands frequently, and stay home as much as possible. Learn more at
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Two Taylor County mink farms under quarantine after more than 5,000 animals died from COVID-19
Laura Schulte
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Two mink farms in Taylor County are under quarantine after animals in the facilities tested positive for ARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
Between the two farms, more than 5,400 mink have died, said Kevin Hoffman, the public information officer for the state Division of Animal Health.
The virus was confirmed at the first farm in early October when a dead mink tested positive for the disease. The farm was quarantined at that point, meaning no animals or animal parts could leave the premises. It's believed the virus jumped from a human to the animals, Hoffman said, but an investigation into the transfer is still underway.
The outbreak at the second farm was found more recently, Hoffman said. It is not believed that the virus jumped from the first farm to the second.
Track COVID-19 in Wisconsin:See the latest numbers and trends
Mink are members of the Mustelidae family that also includes weasels, badgers, otters, marten and wolverines. Wisconsin is one of the top producers of mink pelts in the U.S., Hoffman said. State officials are worried about the outbreaks and are regularly communicating with the state's 19 mink farms.
"It's certainly concerning that (mink) are so susceptible," Hoffman said.
Valerie Zimbal, who owns Zimbal Mink Farm in Sheboygan Falls, said their mink population is being closely monitored for any signs of disease. They've also been implementing biosecurity measures since the pandemic started, like showering in and out, wearing masks, doing temperature checks and limiting visitors to the farm. If any employee feels sick, they are asked to stay at home.
Zimbal said the mink industry has been hit by the pandemic because mink coats and other fur clothing aren't being bought as often since people are not out shopping as usual.
Wisconsin was the second state to have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in mink, after Utah, which confirmed its first case in August, according to the department.
Denmark to slaughter all farmed mink The U.S. is not the only country facing outbreaks on mink farms. According to a Nov. 4 New York Times report, Denmark will kill all farmed mink due to concerns that mutation in the virus in mink could interfere with the effectiveness of a vaccine for humans.
Denmark ordered a lockdown in the northern portion of the country due to the mink outbreak, according to the Associated Press. So far, 12 people have been infected with the coronavirus mutation found in mink, which has shown a weak reaction to antibodies.
Animal welfare groups in the United States are hoping to avoid that outcome, and are calling for the government to shutter all farms to avoid the spread of the disease among the animals.
Animal Wellness Action, the Animal Wellness Foundation and the Center for a Humane Economy on Friday asked that governments in Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin to shut down their farms, and asked that the government establish a buy-out program for the farms.
So far, Hoffman said, no actions to close down mink farms in the U.S. have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the agency is monitoring the situation closely.
Minks are more susceptible to the virus because of a protein in their lungs, which is similar to humans, Hoffman said. For that reason, there aren't concerns over other types of animals, although two dogs in Wisconsin are known to have fallen ill due to the virus.
Hoffman encouraged pet owners with COVID-19 to take precautions, though, to keep their furry companions safe. He recommended wearing a mask while around your pet and keeping a six-foot distance between any ill housemates and pets.
"I know that can be really hard, but it's the best thing you can do," he said.
Grace Connatser of the Wisconsin State Farmer contributed.
Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@gannett.com and twitter.com/SchulteLaura.
COVID-19: All mink in Denmark must be culled
Published 5. November 2020
Target groups:
The Danish government has decided to cull all mink in Denmark.
This is based on the fact that the Danish health authorities (Statens Serum Institut) in preliminary studies have found a new mutated COVID-19 virus in mink that can affect the effect of a vaccine.
- We are facing one of the biggest health crisis the world has ever experienced. The Danish government and I are painfully aware of what this means for all the Danish mink farmers who are about to lose their livelihood and for some their entire life's work. But it is the right thing to do in a situation where the vaccine, which is currently the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, is in danger, says Minister for Food and Fisheries Mogens Jensen.
Dangerous reservoir of infection
In mid-June this year, the first mink farms in Northern Jutland were found infected with COVID-19, and the virus has since spread to 207 farms spread across Jutland, counted 4 November 2020.
The Danish health authorities (Statens Serum Institut) have previously found various mutations of COVID-19 in Danish mink, and on the recommendation of the Danish veterinary and health authorities, the Danish government decided on 1 October 2020 to cull all infected mink herds and herds within a radius of 7,8 kilometers.
The Danish health authorities (Statens Serum Institut) have now found a mutation in tests from five mink farms in Northern Jutland and in tests from 12 persons and testing shows that the potential vaccines would not work effectively on this mutated virus .
At the same time, mink farms constitute a large virus reservoir that increases the risk of several new virus mutations.
Minister for Health Magnus Heunicke says:
- The Danish health authorities assess thadt mink farming during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic entails a possible risk to the public health - and for possibilities to combat COVID-19 with vaccines. The Danish health authorities (Statens Serum Institut) have found a mutation and preliminary studies suggest that this mutation may affect the effectiveness of the current candidate for a vaccine against COVID-19. However, there is no evidence that those people infected with this mutation experience a more serious disease. A large virus reservoir of mink increases the risk of mutations re-emerging, which increases the risk that vaccines will not provide optimal protection. Taking into account the current situation in Northern Jutland, we unfortunately have to look at a number of local initiatives and further restrictions to contain the virus.
Incentive for mink farmers
It is crucial that the culling of the minks takes place quickly.
Thus, the Danish government is now introducing an economic incentive of 20 DKK for each mink if the mink farmer cull his herds within 10 days – or 5 days for herds under 7.500 animals.
Likewise, the Danish Police and the Danish Armed Forces will intensify their efforts.
- The Danish government will appeal to the sector and the mink farmers to support and contribute to this effort, although I understand that it will be a very difficult task for the farmers that will have to cull all their animals, says Minister for Food and Fisheries Mogens Jensen.
More information:
Ministry of Environment and Food, phone +45 2091 5901
Ministry of Health, phone +45 2132 4727
New research findings in the ongoing investigation into COVID-19 at mink farms suggest there has been a transmission of new coronavirus from mink to human
New results from research into COVID-19 on mink farms
New research findings in the ongoing investigation into COVID-19 at mink farms suggest there has been a transmission of new coronavirus from mink to human. The investigation has also shown that mink with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic. Based on this new information, agriculture minister Carola Schouten and health minister Hugo de Jonge are introducing new measures.
'These new findings have a major impact on mink-farm owners and staff and their families, as well as on local communities,’ said Ms Schouten. ‘I'm in close contact with all those involved.’
The virus that causes COVID-19 mutates relatively quickly. These changes to its genetic code can be tracked. By comparing the genetic codes of the virus in different animals and people, scientists can create a ‘family tree’ for the virus and gain more insight into when and where people and animals were infected. This type of tracking has been done in the case of infected mink and people. The virus found in one staff member on a mink farm showed similarities to that found in the mink on that farm. Based on this comparison and the position of that form of the virus in the family tree, the researchers concluded that it is likely that one staff member at an infected farm has been infected by mink.
In order to clarify this finding, researchers are now continuing to map the genetic family tree of the virus in infected people in the area surrounding the mink farm in question. This will allow them to build as complete a picture as possible.
According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) the risk of the virus being transmitted from mink to human outside mink sheds remains negligible. RIVM made this risk assessment previously, after no samples of air and dust collected outside mink sheds were found to contain any trace of the virus.
Measures
Based on the new information, the government is introducing new measures on top of those already in force. Mink at all farms in the Netherlands will be screened for antibodies. In the interest of staff members’ health, it is important to gain a clear picture of the situation at all mink farms. Screening will be compulsory and will be coordinated by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
If a case is found at a mink farm, the same measures will be introduced as at other infected farms and staff members will be advised to use personal protective equipment at work. Furthermore, no visitors will be admitted to mink sheds on infected farms. Agriculture minister Carola Schouten had already imposed a reporting obligation on mink farm owners, veterinarians and staff at research institutes. That obligation will now be expanded, so that all symptoms pointing to COVID-19 must be reported to the NVWA. This is in addition to an existing ban on the removal of animals and manure from infected farms, a measure aimed at stopping the virus spreading to other farms.
Farm cats
This ongoing research has revealed a close similarity between the viruses found on two of the infected mink farms. There are several possible explanations for this. On one of the infected farms, antibodies to the virus were found in three out of 11 farm cats. It is therefore important to examine the potential role of farm cats in transmitting the virus. Farm cats are feral or semi-feral cats that live out-of-doors on a farm. Pending further research, mink-farm owners are advised to ensure that cats cannot enter or exit the site.
Pets
It is known that pets can contract COVID-19. The risk of people being infected by their pet remains small. RIVM’s existing advice regarding COVID-19 and animals remains unchanged: keep pets indoors if anyone in your household has COVID-19-like symptoms and the animal may have been infected. If you are in any doubt or if your pet has severe symptoms, always contact your vet. RIVM’s advice on pets can be found in full at RIVM.nl.
USDA Confirms SARS-CoV-2 in Mink in Utah after unusually large numbers of mink died at the farms
USDA Confirms SARS-CoV-2 in Mink in Utah
Washington, D.C., August 17, 2020 -- The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) today announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in mink at two farms in Utah. These are the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in mink in the United States. The affected farms also reported positive cases of COVID-19 in people who had contact with the mink.
After unusually large numbers of mink died at the farms, the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory completed necropsies on several of the affected animals. Samples were forwarded and tested presumptive positive for SARS-CoV-2 at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Both laboratories are members of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The presumptive positive samples were then sent to NVSL for confirmatory testing.
Mink were known to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, as the virus was discovered in mink on multiple farms in the Netherlands. Those affected farms also experienced an increase in mink deaths. Affected mink farms have also been identified in Spain and Denmark. USDA has closely monitored these outbreaks and recently issued a document containing guidance for farmed mink in the United States.
There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people is considered to be low. More studies are needed to understand how different species may be affected by the virus that causes COVID-19, and whether animals may play a role in the spread of the virus.
NVSL serves as an international reference laboratory and provides expertise and guidance on diagnostic techniques, as well as confirmatory testing for foreign and emerging animal diseases. Such testing is required for certain animal diseases in the U.S. in order to comply with national and international reporting procedures. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) considers SARS-CoV-2 an emerging disease, and therefore USDA must report confirmed U.S. animal infections to the OIE.
USDA announces cases of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in animals each time it is found in a new species. All confirmed cases in animals in the United States are posted at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/sa_one_health/sars-cov-2-animals-us.
People with COVID-19 can spread the virus to animals during close contact. It is important for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to avoid contact with pets and other animals to protect them from possible infection.
For more information about COVID-19 and animals and recommendations for animal owners, visit CDC’s COVID-19 and Animals page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.
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COVID-19 and Animals
Comparative Pathogenesis of Bovine and Porcine Respiratory Coronaviruses in the Animal Host Species and SARS-CoV-2 in Humans
Linda J. Saif, Kwonil Jung Alexander J. McAdam, Editor DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01355-20
REPORT
Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals to SARS–coronavirus 2
View ORCID ProfileJianzhong Shi1,*, View ORCID ProfileZhiyuan Wen1,*, View ORCID ProfileGongxun Zhong1,*, View ORCID ProfileHuanliang Yang1,*, View ORCID ProfileChong Wang1,*, View ORCID ProfileBaoying Huang2,*, Renqiang Liu1, Xijun He3, Lei Shuai1, Ziruo Sun1, Yubo Zhao1, View ORCID ProfilePeipei Liu2, Libin Liang1, Pengfei Cui1, Jinliang Wang1, View ORCID ProfileXianfeng Zhang3, Yuntao Guan3, View ORCID ProfileWenjie Tan2, View ORCID ProfileGuizhen Wu2,†, View ORCID ProfileHualan Chen1,†, View ORCID ProfileZhigao Bu1,3,† See all authors and affiliations
Science 29 May 2020: Vol. 368, Issue 6494, pp. 1016-1020 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb7015 Article Figures & Data Info & Metrics eLetters PDF Alternative hosts and model animals The severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic may have originated in bats, but how it made its way into humans is unknown. Because of its zoonotic origins, SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to exclusively infect humans, so it would be valuable to have an animal model for drug and vaccine development. Shi et al. tested ferrets, as well as livestock and companion animals of humans, for their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 (see the Perspective by Lakdawala and Menachery). The authors found that SARS-CoV-2 infects the upper respiratory tracts of ferrets but is poorly transmissible between individuals. In cats, the virus replicated in the nose and throat and caused inflammatory pathology deeper in the respiratory tract, and airborne transmission did occur between pairs of cats. Dogs appeared not to support viral replication well and had low susceptibility to the virus, and pigs, chickens, and ducks were not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.
Science, this issue p. 1016; see also p. 942
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the infectious disease COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), which was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Despite extensive efforts to control the disease, COVID-19 has now spread to more than 100 countries and caused a global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have originated in bats; however, the intermediate animal sources of the virus are unknown. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of ferrets and animals in close contact with humans to SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates poorly in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks, but ferrets and cats are permissive to infection. Additionally, cats are susceptible to airborne transmission. Our study provides insights into the animal models for SARS-CoV-2 and animal management for COVID-19 control.
snip...
In summary, we found that ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2; dogs have low susceptibility; and pigs, chickens, and ducks are not susceptible to the virus. Unlike influenza viruses and the other SARS-coronavirus known to infect humans (SARS-CoV-1), which replicate in both the upper and lower respiratory tract of ferrets (20, 22–24, 26, 27), SARS-CoV-2 replicates only in the nasal turbinate, soft palate, and tonsils of ferrets. SARS-CoV-2 may also replicate in the digestive tract, as viral RNA was detected in the rectal swabs of the virus-infected ferrets, but virus was not detected in lung lobes, even after the ferrets were intratracheally inoculated with the virus. It remains unclear whether the virus causes more severe disease in male ferrets than in female ferrets, as has been observed among humans (13, 28).
Several studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its receptor to enter cells (3, 29–31). ACE2 is mainly expressed in type II pneumocytes and serous epithelial cells of tracheo-bronchial submucosal glands in ferrets (25). Ferrets and cats differ by only two amino acids in the SARS-CoV-2 spike-contacting regions of ACE2 (table S1); therefore, the underlying mechanism that prevents the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the lower respiratory tract of ferrets remains to be investigated. The fact that SARS-CoV-2 replicates efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets makes them a candidate animal model for evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs or vaccines against COVID-19.
The cats we used in this study were outbred and were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, which replicated efficiently and was transmissible to naïve cats. Cats in Wuhan have been reported to be seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 (32). Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in cats should be considered as an adjunct to elimination of COVID-19 in humans.
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