Two Dutch mink farms are quarantined after discovery of infected animals
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Two mink farms in the Netherlands have been quarantined after the animals were found to have the coronavirus, the Dutch Agricultural Ministry said on Sunday.
It is believed to be the first time that minks were reported to be infected during the pandemic.
The minks’ symptoms included respiratory problems, the ministry said in a statement, and they are believed to have contracted the virus from farm employees.
The agriculture minister, Carola Schouten, said that mink farmers, veterinarians and researchers would now be required to report any respiratory problems or increased mortality in minks in the country. The order does not extend to other livestock, since they do not appear to be susceptible to the virus, the statement said.
Investigations have begun to determine the source of the infections, the statement said, and air and dust samples were taken near the farms to test for traces of the virus. As a precautionary measure the department advised people to avoid cycling or walking within about 1,300 feet of the farms.
The coronavirus has also been detected in other animals around the globe since the pandemic began, including two pet cats from different parts of New York State, a pet dog in Hong Kong and a tiger at the Bronx Zoo.
