'Mink Also Infected with COVID-19'... Cluster Outbreak Among Workers at Canadian Mink Farm

8 Workers Confirmed Positive, Then 5 Mink Confirmed Positive
Concerns Over Transmission Between Humans and Mink... "Epidemiological Investigation Obstruction, Virus May Mutate"

The appearance of a mink [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Kim Suhwan and Naju Seok] Minks raised on a farm in Canada have been found to be infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Earlier, a confirmed COVID-19 case was reported at this farm, raising concerns that epidemiological investigations of virus transmission between humans and animals could become difficult.

On the 9th (local time), according to Canadian local media CBC, government authorities announced that five minks at a mink farm in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia (BC) tested positive for COVID-19. This result came during an epidemiological investigation after eight workers at the farm were confirmed positive last weekend. The Ministry of Agriculture stated, “We are analyzing the correlation between infection cases among workers and minks.”

Last month in Denmark, a case was discovered where the coronavirus mutated during transmission from humans to minks and back to humans. In response, the Danish government ordered the culling of all minks.

On November 26 (local time), Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (right) toured a closed mink farm near Kolding, Denmark. Kolding, Denmark = Photo by EPA

The recent mink infection case in Canada is also being viewed as a possible example of 'zoonotic infection.'

Viruses that can be transmitted between humans and animals include avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), dengue fever, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These viruses spread very rapidly and have characteristics that complicate epidemiological investigations due to animal-mediated transmission. Prominent American science writer David Quammen said in an April interview with the BBC, “Zoonotic viruses are emerging more frequently as contact between humans and wild animals increases,” adding, “Our society is closely interconnected, so once zoonotic infection begins, it has the potential to spread worldwide. The current COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of this.”

Experts also believe there is a possibility that the virus may mutate during transmission between humans and animals. Dr. Lauren Adelman, a veterinarian, analyzed, “It is highly likely that the source of mink infection is the workers at the farm,” and added, “There is also a possibility of virus mutation during transmission, which could negatively affect the efficacy of vaccines currently under development.”

Health authorities have begun genome analysis to accurately identify the infection route and virus characteristics, and results are expected within this week. They also announced that the mink farm will be quarantined, with a complete ban on the movement of animals and materials within the farm, and that the minks will receive separate protective measures. Furthermore, they added that the COVID-19 found at this farm will not affect nearby mink farms.

So far, countries where COVID-19 has been detected in mink farms include Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the United States, totaling six countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.