Abstract
Animal experiments have shown that nonhuman primates, cats, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, and bats can be infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in felids, mink, and dogs in the field. Here, we describe an in-depth investigation using whole-genome sequencing of outbreaks on 16 mink farms and the humans living or working on these farms. We conclude that the virus was initially introduced by humans and has since evolved, most likely reflecting widespread circulation among mink in the beginning of the infection period, several weeks before detection. Despite enhanced biosecurity, early warning surveillance, and immediate culling of animals in affected farms, transmission occurred between mink farms in three large transmission clusters with unknown modes of transmission. Of the tested mink farm residents, employees, and/or individuals with whom they had been in contact, 68% had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals for which whole genomes were available were shown to have been infected with strains with an animal sequence signature, providing evidence of animal-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within mink farms.
Highlights
In view of the similarities of the new virus with SARSCoV-1, a zoonotic origin of the outbreak was suspected linked to the Wuhan fresh market where various animals were sold including fish, shellfish, poultry, wild birds and exotic animals
In response to the outbreaks in mink farms, the Dutch national response system for zoonotic diseases was activated, and it was concluded that the public health risk of exposure to animals with SARS-CoV-2 was low, but that there was a need for increased awareness of possible involvement of animals in the COVID-19 epidemic
We describe an in-depth investigation into the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in mink farms and mink farm employees in the Netherlands, combining epidemiological information, surveillance data and Whole genome sequencing (WGS) on the human-animal interface
Summary
In view of the similarities of the new virus with SARSCoV-1, a zoonotic origin of the outbreak was suspected linked to the Wuhan fresh market where various animals were sold including fish, shellfish, poultry, wild birds and exotic animals. SARS-CoV-2 has sporadically been identified in naturally infected animals. SARS-CoV-2 was first diagnosed on two mink farms in the Netherlands on April 23rd (NB1) and April 25th (NB2), respectively.
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