More than 15 million mink have been culled in Denmark, devastating its fur industry - the largest in the EU. Since June 2020, Danish authorities have reported an extensive spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on mink farms in Denmark. Denmark's prime minister said Wednesday that the government wants to cull all minks on Danish farms, to minimize the risk of the animals re-transmitting a mutated form of the coronavirus to humans. Following public health measures implemented by Danish authorities, the incidence of COVID-19 in North Jutland decreased from 100 per 100,000 population in the week beginning 2 November (week 45) to 60 per 100,000 population in the week beginning 16 November (week 47). This decision was made following information that it had not been possible to prevent the spread of infection from farm to farm, or from animals to humans, and mink are acting as a reservoir and contributing to the ongoing transmission in Denmark. 3 December 2020. Since June 2020, 214 human cases of COVID-19 have been identified … Culled minks with COVID-19 mutation rise from their graves in Denmark - National | Globalnews.ca "We assume it is the mink that were in the upper layer that pop up,'' officials said, calling it … As of 1 December 2020, a total of 289 mink farms have been affected, which accounts for approximately 20% of all mink farms in Denmark. On 6 November, Denmark shared the full genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 obtained from humans to the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) platform, and 133 sequences from mink on 18 November. On 5 November, the Danish public health authorities reported, Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee, Coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19) », the detection of a mink-associated SARS-CoV-2 variant with a combination of mutations not previously observed (referred to as “Cluster 5”) in 12 human cases in North Jutland, detected from August to September 2020, WHO Disease outbreak news SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark, WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, WHO COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update and Weekly Operational Update, WHO Scientific brief on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions, WHO Public health considerations while resuming international travel, OIE Update 6 on the COVID-19 situation in mink in Denmark, OIE Technical factsheet, infection with SARS-CoV-2 in animal, FAO Exposure of humans or animals to SARS-CoV-2 from wild, livestock, companion and aquatic animals. In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. A bag of calcium oxide is seen in the foreground as an excavator buries dead mink in ditches in a military area near Holstebro, Denmark on Monday, November 9, 2020. These studies are long, complex and are done in close collaboration with various research groups. Danish authorities have continued to work with the WHO SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution Working Group and have agreed to share the Cluster 5 variant SARS-CoV-2 with the COVID-19 Reference Laboratory Network for further studies and testing. (CNN) The United Kingdom has banned travelers from Denmark after the country reported a widespread outbreak of a new variant of the virus which causes Covid-19 in mink farms. The ministry of food and agriculture said in a statement on Sunday that the government had gained support in parliament to dig up the mink next year. (CNN) Denmark plans to … When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Health authorities should work with travel, transport and tourism sectors to provide travelers with information to reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections via travel health clinics, travel agencies, conveyance operators and at points of entry. Fur industry faces uncertain future due to Covid. By 25 November, mink on all 289 affected mink farms, and farms within an assigned zone, were culled. Denmark: More than 200 people diagnosed with mink-related coronavirus Denmark has found mink -related versions of coronavirus in 214 human cases since … Disease Outbreak News: Update Over the past weeks, Danish authorities have conducted mass testing of 111 447 individuals in North Jutland using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and are planning to conduct genetic sequencing for all positive samples. #COVID19. Denmark shaken by cull of millions of mink, France calls on US to drop vaccine export bans. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions for Denmark based on information currently available in relation to this event. Denmark’s prime minister says the government wants to cull all minks in Danish farms, to minimize the risk of them re-transmitting the new coronavirus to humans. Up to 1.5 million minks are likely to be put down at dozens of mink farms in Denmark due to the spread of Covid-19 amongst the animals. Denmark announced early last month that it would cull all of its mink after a mutated form of coronavirus was found on mink farms. Economic support packages have been established for those affected. Since June 2020, Danish authorities have reported an extensive spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on mink farms in Denmark. There were concerns that the mutated variant could threaten the effectiveness of future vaccines. Denmark has discovered a new, mutated strain of the coronavirus stemming from mink farms in the northern part of the country, which authorities say could evade future COVID-19 vaccines. Mink are seen at a mink farm in Denmark where dozens of farms must cull their herds amid a spike in Covid-19 cases among the animals. Conduct further virological studies to understand the specific mutations described by Denmark and to investigate any changes in transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus; Countries, particularly those with mink and other fur farming, to increase the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from human and animal samples where possible and share sequence data, including if the same mutations are found; Countries to increase surveillance for COVID-19 at the animal-human interface where susceptible animal reservoirs are identified, including on mink and other fur farms; Countries to strengthen farming biosafety and biosecurity measures around known animal reservoirs, particularly on mink farms, to limit the risk of zoonotic events associated with SARS-CoV-2. "Once the mink are no longer contaminated with Covid-19, they will be transported to an incineration facility, where they'll be burned as commercial waste," the ministry said. In November 2020, 349 cases were reported among people associated with mink farming, an increase from 200 cases in October 2020. Video, Philippines Covid surge throws country into disarray, California condors swoop on home and 'declare war', Train services cancelled after cracks found, Next Zulu king revealed amid succession feud, Chernobyl alcohol drink seized by authorities, Big Chinese rocket segment set to fall to Earth, Trump officials obtained reporters' phone data. Danish officials said that they now want to cull all 15 million mink at the country’s roughly 1,200 fur farms as a precautionary step to protect people from contracting the virus. Denmark … From the week beginning 6 June 2020 (week 24) to the week beginning 16 November 2020 (week 47), 10 386 COVID-19 positive samples from unique individuals underwent whole genome sequencing, which accounted for 17.6% of all positive samples in the corresponding time period. While public health and social measures implemented by Denmark have led to positive developments, recent findings of other mink-associated variants among human cases in mid-Jutland and the detection of some 200 human cases among workers are of concern. Mink have previously been reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, including in two outbreaks on large mink farms in the Netherlands in April 2020. Denmark culled 17 million minks in November in response to Covid-19 outbreaks at more than 200 mink farms. Denmark ordered the culling of 17 million mink, its entire herd, after a dangerous new Covid-19 strain spread to humans. In Denmark, Aalborg University Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Zealand University Hospital Roskilde have sections prepared for serious cases of COVID-19 that require treatment, as well as patients that are elderly or have pre-existing conditions and therefore are particularly vulnerable to the disease. The French president spoke out after the US backed a proposal to waive patents on Covid-19 vaccines. It is expected that all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 change over time. Denmark is set to dig up millions of mink that were culled because of a mutated form of coronavirus. On 5 November, movement restrictions were introduced in the affected areas in North Jutland. 'Our first day of freedom on American soil' Video, 'Our first day of freedom on American soil', #MeToo Serbia: 'I thought I was the only one' Video, #MeToo Serbia: 'I thought I was the only one', Philippines Covid surge throws country into disarray. Advanced laboratory studies are required to fully understand the impact of novel variants of SARS-CoV-2 on viral properties such as transmissibility, clinical presentation and effectiveness of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The cases ranged in age from 7 to 79 years, and eight had a link to the mink farming industry and four cases were … The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. the detection of a mink-associated SARS-CoV-2 variant with a combination of mutations not previously observed (referred to as “Cluster 5”) in 12 human cases in North Jutland, detected from August to September 2020. She said Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, a report from a government agency that maps the coronavirus in Denmark has shown a mutation in the virus found in 12 people in the northern part of the country who got infected by minks. “I’m Only a Mink Killer”: How COVID Caused Denmark’s Historic Fur-Industry Disaster The Danish government ordered mink farmers to slaughter the … Additionally, mink farming has been banned in Denmark until 31 December 2021, including import and export of live mink. Eight had a link to the mink farming industry and four cases were from the local community. Denmark will cull around 1 million mink after finding further coronavirus infections among the animals at farms that breed them for their fur, authorities said. Preliminary findings suggested that there was a lower capability of antibodies to neutralize the Cluster 5 strain, which requires further investigation. Since June 2020, 214 human cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Denmark with SARS-CoV-2 variants associated with farmed minks, including 12 cases with a unique variant, reported on 5 November. To date, Statens Serum Institut (SSI) in Denmark has identified seven unique mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 among variants co-circulating in mink and humans. Denmark is set to cull up to 17 million mink, after a mutation of the coronavirus was found to spread from the animals to humans. 3 December 2020. SSI cultured the “Cluster 5” variant with four amino acid changes in the spike protein, which was identified in mink and isolated from the 12 human cases reported in North Jutland. Fresh cases have been registered at 41 mink farms and another 20 were believed affected, totalling up to 1 million minks, Environment and Food Minister Mogens Jensen said at a press briefing on Thursday evening. Disease Outbreak News: Update. © 2021 BBC. This includes infection prevention and control measures for animal workers, farm visitors and those involved in animal husbandry or culling; Remind communities and health workers of the basic principles to reduce the risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections by: Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections; Washing hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment; Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals; Practicing cough etiquette, such as maintaining distance, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and washing hands, if experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory infection; Enhancing standard infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities, especially in emergency departments of hospitals. In areas with no affected mink farms, human cases infected with the mink-associated variant have occurred sporadically. COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Denmark's prime minister said Wednesday that the government wants to cull all 15 million minks in Danish farms to minimize the risk of them retransmitting COVID-19 to … In addition, at least two new SARS-CoV-2 variants were recently detected in Southern Denmark which were not genetically related to the original Danish mink-associated variant strain. SARS-CoV-2 strains which are infecting mink and subsequently transmitted back to humans, may have acquired unique mutations to adapt to the mink host. The two burial sites are highly controversial, as one is near a bathing lake and the other not far from a source of drinking water. Denmark plans to cull its entire mink population and announced strict new lockdown measures in the north of the country to prevent a mutated coronavirus from … Coronavirus kills 15,000 U.S. mink, as Denmark prepares for nationwide cull. This event highlights the important role that farmed mink populations can play in the on-going transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the critical importance of robust surveillance, sampling and sequencing of these viruses by employing a One Health approach, especially around areas where such animal reservoirs are identified. We are aware of reports from #Denmark of a number of people infected with coronavirus from mink, with some genetic changes in the virus. As of 20 November, no new human cases of the Cluster 5 strain have been detected by genetic sequencing, and authorities assessed that the Cluster 5 variant is no longer circulating in humans. All 12 cases were identified in September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark. To date, eight countries, namely Denmark, Lithuania, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Greece and the United States of America have reported COVID-19 in farmed mink to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The Danish government has dropped an attempt to pass emergency legislation allowing it to cull all mink in the country. SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark. On 19 November 2020, restrictions were lifted in North Jutland due to decreased incidence and the absence of new cases of the Cluster 5 variant identified in the affected areas. Eight lions at an Indian zoo have tested positive for coronavirus in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the country. What's the science behind mink and coronavirus? By Tom Polansek. On 4 November 2020, Denmark decided to cull all farmed mink in Denmark. Read about our approach to external linking. Denmark was the world’s largest exporter of mink fur but culled all 15 million of its mink population last year after some were found to be carrying a … Since June 2020, a total of 644 people associated with mink farming have tested positive. Denmark is set to dig up millions of mink that were culled because of a mutated form of coronavirus. Deadly attack near secondary school in Afghanistan, California sees population fall for the first time, The Aboriginal boy teaching Australia a lesson, 'Our first day of freedom on American soil' Video'Our first day of freedom on American soil', #MeToo Serbia: 'I thought I was the only one' Video#MeToo Serbia: 'I thought I was the only one', Philippines Covid surge throws country into disarray. The global relevance of the preliminary findings by Denmark is potentially significant, and WHO recognizes the importance of prompt sharing of epidemiological, virological, and full genome sequence information with other countries and research teams, including through open-source platforms such as GISAID. Since June 2020, Danish authorities have reported an extensive spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on mink farms in Denmark. In North Denmark, the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strains among all sequenced samples decreased from 60% and 51% in weeks 41 and 42, respectively, to 26% and 31% in weeks 46 and 47; in Central Denmark, the proportion increased from ~3% in weeks 41 and 42 to over 30% in weeks 46 and 47; in South Denmark, the proportion increased from 0% in weeks 41 and 42 to 11% and 21% in weeks 46 and 47, respectively, while noting that there are differences in sequencing frequency and practices among various regions. On 5 November, the Danish public health authorities reported Residents have complained about the potential risk of contamination. VideoPhilippines Covid surge throws country into disarray, Spy row revs up Russia tensions in heart of Europe, India's Covid crisis delivers a blow to brand Modi, The sheikh, the ransom payments and the bandits, The deadly secret of the superfruit loved in the US, France calls on US to drop vaccine export bans1, California condors swoop on home and 'declare war'2, The Aboriginal boy teaching Australia a lesson3, Train services cancelled after cracks found5, California sees population fall for the first time6, Next Zulu king revealed amid succession feud7, Chernobyl alcohol drink seized by authorities8, Big Chinese rocket segment set to fall to Earth9, Trump officials obtained reporters' phone data10. "Once the mink are no longer contaminated with Covid-19, they will be transported to an incineration facility, where they'll be burned as commercial waste," the ministry said. Furthermore, there have been at least 338 cases reported among people working with mink pelting, in six factories and two small facilities, which suggests that there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in people who are involved in farming, culling and pelting of mink. WHO recommends the health measures listed above for all travelers. Read about our approach to external linking. All 12 cases live in North Jutland and became unwell in September. About four million mink will be exhumed from mass graves and incinerated to prevent pollution, the government said. later admitted that the cull was mishandled. Some of the mink buried in mass graves in a military area in the west of the country have resurfaced because of the nitrogen and phosphorus gases produced by their decay. On 5 November 2020, health authorities in Denmark reported 12 human cases of COVID-19 caused by a specific mink-associated variant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As of Monday this week, coronavirus has been detected at 76 mink farms in the Nordic country, around 7 percent of all Danish mink farms. We are in touch with the Danish authorities to find out more about this event. Additionally, the Netherlands have reported human infections with mink-associated SARS-CoV-2 strains which were not Cluster 5 strains. The government later admitted that the cull was mishandled. 4 Min Read . It is set to happen in May, when officials say the risk of coronavirus contamination from the dead animals will have passed. Spain culled 100,000 mink in July after cases were detected at a farm in Aragón province, and tens of thousands of the animals were slaughtered … Denmark Wants To Exhume ‘Zombie Mink’ Rising From Mass Graves While Scientists Warn Of Permanent Covid-19 Pandemic Risk (Forbes) Russia Is Developing A Covid-19 Vaccine For Pets And Mink … Of these sequenced samples, 750 were virus variants associated with infected mink. 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