Finding these mutations in mink on the Michigan farm is not unexpected because they have been seen before in mink from farms in the Netherlands and Denmark, and also in people linked to mink farms worldwide.This suggests mink-to-human spread might have occurred. Investigations found that mink from a Michigan farm and a small number of people were infected with SARS-CoV-2 that contained unique mink-related mutations (changes in the virus’s genetic material).Mink-to-human spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, and data suggest it might have occurred in the United States. One wild mink and a small number of escaped farm mink trapped near affected farms in Utah and Oregon were found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.Īlthough there is no evidence that mink are playing a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people, there is a possibility of mink spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people and other animals on mink farms. Once the virus is introduced on a farm, spread can occur between mink, as well as from mink to other animals on the farm (dogs, cats). Infected workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink on the farms, and the virus then began to spread among the mink. However, some infected mink might also appear healthy. In the United States, respiratory disease and increases in mink deaths have been seen on most affected mink farms. SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in farmed mink in multiple countries. Currently, there is no evidence that mink are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19 to people. More studies and surveillance are needed to track variants and mutations and to understand how SARS-CoV-2 spreads between people and animals. There is a possibility that the virus could infect animals, mutate, and a new strain could spread back to people and then among people (called spillback). There is no need to euthanize or otherwise harm animals infected with SARS-CoV-2. It’s important to remember that people are much more likely to get COVID-19 from other people than from animals. In most of these cases, the animals were known to be first infected by a person who had COVID-19. These cases include farmed mink in Europe and the United States, white-tailed deer in Canada, pet hamsters in Hong Kong, and a cat in Thailand. There have been a few reports of infected mammalian animals spreading the virus to people during close contact, but this is rare. There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people. The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered low. Reducing Risk of Spreading COVID-19 between People and Wildlife.
Companion Animals with COVID-19: Toolkit for Health Officials.What You Should Know about COVID-19 and Pets.
CATS COMING BACK TO LIFE HOW TO
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