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WASHINGTON, November 12, 2020 / PRNewswire / – The Danish government has controversially removed millions of minks from fur farms after a mutated strain of coronavirus was detected in the animals. The slaughter has been stopped after authorities questioned the legality of such a drastic action. Now, in the United States, anti-fur extremists are taking advantage of this tragedy to call for restrictions on mink farming. Fur commission United States post the statements below.
Acts
While a handful of farms in the US have detected the COVID-19 virus, to date there is no evidence that any humans have been infected by those minks. The Centers for Disease Control says, “At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.” The CDC notes that people transmit the COVID-19 virus to mink and that mink can transmit the virus to other minks. However, “the risk of animals transmitting COVID-19 to people is considered low,” according to the CDC.
Fur Commission is working with the industry to develop a vaccine, and testing will begin shortly. Importantly, the World Health Organization has said new strains of coronavirus are no it is expected to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
Fur farms in the US follow strict biosecurity protocols for the benefit of both humans and animals. Farmers restrict access to facilities, screen employees daily, use personal protective equipment, practice social distancing from workers, and disinfect equipment and facilities. Workers can also be separated so that if a problem is found in one part of the farm, it can be quarantined and the risk of spread is reduced.
Declarations
Fur commission United States Executive Director Michael Whelan issued the following statement: “Animal welfare is a farmer’s livelihood. We are taking steps to protect workers and animals from this virus. Animal rights advocates are now blatantly trying to exploit a situation tragic to push his wrong political agenda once again. “
Respected mink veterinarian Dr. Hugh Hildebrandt “Farms operate under biosecurity protocols under normal circumstances and have increased their controls during the pandemic. The risk to humans of contracting the coronavirus from animals, whether farm animals or pets, still it is being closely studied by scientists worldwide. “
More information on agricultural biosecurity can be found here. A FAQ sheet on mink farms and COVID can be found here.
SOURCE International Fur Federation
