Authorities in northern Spain ordered over 90,000 mink to be killed at a farm. They took this decision after around 87% of them tested positive for the coronavirus. The coronavirus outbreak in the Aragon province was discovered after the wife of a farm employee got infected in May. The employee and six other farmworkers since then tested positive for COVID-19. The Aragon regional government stated that it had to take drastic measures to cull around 92,700 mink according to the national animal health laws. Meanwhile, Spain reopened its doors to tourists on July 1.
Over 90,000 Mink To Be Killed In Spain After 87% Of Them Test COVID-19 Positive
The farm in Teruel province’s La Puebla de Valverde is kept in isolation since May 22. It’s in isolation after seven workers tested positive. Spain ordered the killing of around 90,000 mink on the farm. This is after 87% of them tested coronavirus positive. And in Dutch farms already one million mink have already been culled. And the pandemic continues to create havoc in the European fur farming industry. However, Portugal and Spain reduced its holiday prices to boost tourism.
Joaquin Olona, the region’s chief of agriculture and environment stated that there’s no evidence of whether the virus transmitted from workers to the animals or other way round. Olona stated to Europa Press “We are absolutely certain that the virus is present in these animals and community transmission between animals is taking place.” He adds that the goal of the culling is to avoid risks to public health.
Studies As Of Now Don’t Show The Possibility Of Animal To Human Transmission Of Coronavirus
Previous studies showed that coronavirus is contagious among animals like cats and dogs. But there is very little known about the possibility of an animal to human transmission. Researchers are looking into this subject. Mink are semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals. They are bred for their furs. Netherlands one of the top exporters of mink fur already killed thousands of mink since June 6. Over 24 mink farms already reported infections. And several employees at these farms also tested positive. So far, all the animals at these 23 previous farms are slaughtered.
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The Dutch government also tightened the hygiene protocol for mink farms. The government also imposed a nationwide visitor and transport ban in the stables. Compulsory testing is also implemented. They are also working on a scheme to permit farms to voluntarily close their business ahead of the 2024 deadline. This is when mink farming will be prohibited in the country. In the meantime, virtually visit Spain by preparing delicious Spanish dishes at home.