Abstract
In June–November 2020, SARS-CoV-2-infected mink were detected in 290 of 1,147 Danish mink farms. In North Denmark Region, 30% (324/1,092) of people found connected to mink farms tested SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive and approximately 27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25–30) of SARS-CoV-2-strains from humans in the community were mink-associated. Measures proved insufficient to mitigate spread. On 4 November, the government ordered culling of all Danish mink. Farmed mink constitute a potential virus reservoir challenging pandemic control.
Highlights
In June–November 2020, SARS-CoV-2-infected mink were detected in 290 of 1,147 Danish mink farms
Mink farms with SARS-CoV-2 circulating in mink, as well as people connected to mink farms, were identified by four different approaches. (i) In Denmark, human SARS-CoV-2 infections are reportable by laboratories, and laboratory data are electronically submitted to Statens Serum Institut (SSI)
Case reports were linked to an address register and a database of mink farm owners, provided by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), thereby identifying human cases residing on mink farms
Summary
From 8 June to the end of November, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in mink from 290 (25%) of 1,147 Danish mink farms, with the highest proportion of affected farms in North Denmark Region (48%) (190/394) [3]. A mink variant SARS-CoV-2 strain, which had the spike protein change Y453F, was initially observed in an outbreak in mink and humans in June 2020 [1]. The proportion of mink variant strains varied between regions, with the highest average proportion during the period of August to November (27%)
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