Mink Farms Research Articles

Effect of the functional feed PristineGoldVet on clinical and biochemical blood parameters of sables

Currently, against the background of a decrease in the quality of feed rations, the use of protein hydrolysates is a certain novelty in fur farming. PristineGoldVet functional food is a natural product obtained by vacuum lyophilization. With systematic use, it has a regulating effect on clinical blood parameters, optimization of homeostasis, biochemical reactions and physiological functions in the body of animals through the normalization of the microecological status. It contains (in 100 g): 19 amino acids: alanine – 5.16 g, asparagine – 6.75 g, arginine – 8.15 g, serine – 3.45 g, tyrosine – 2.27 g, proline – 1.17 g, cysteine – 1.06 g, ornithine – 0.07 g, glycine – 3.53 g, glutamine – 11.74 g, valine – 2.59 g, threonine – 4.32 g, isoleucine – 4 , 17 g, leucine – 7.12 g, methionine – 2.97 g, lysine – 8.76 g, phenylalanine – 3.69 g, tryptophan – 1.09 g, histidine – 1.71 g; 12 vitamins: B1 – 32 mg, B2 – 1100 mg, B3 – 1652 mg, B5 – 5200 mg, B6 – 38 mg, B9 – 84 mg, B12 – 1.6 mg, C – 2400 mg, D3 – 4 mg, E – 1100 mg, K – 150 mg, H – 4 mg; 10 microelements: potassium – 261 mg, calcium – 41.5 mg, phosphorus – 280 mg, magnesium – 15.8 mg, sodium – 20.3 mg, manganese – 3.5 mg, zinc – 1.9 mg, iron – 13.6 mg, nickel 0.1 mg, copper 0.1 mg. The article presents the results of studies of the dynamics of changes in hematological and biochemical blood parameters in clinically healthy sables when using the functional food "PristineGoldVet" aimed at maintaining the functions of the digestive and endocrine systems, improving the quality of fur and increasing the gain in live weight of young animals. When using a protein hydrolyzate, it was established: an increase in the content of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and albumin fraction and a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In addition, an increase in live body weight was observed in animals. It has been proven that the use of PristineGoldVet functional food in the diets of sables can increase their feed value, which has a beneficial effect on digestion indices.

Assessment of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) prevalence in feral American mink in Iceland. Case study of a pending epizootiological concern in Europe.

BackgroundRecurring escapes or deliberate releases and subsequent infiltration or establishment of feral populations by individuals from fur farms have been commonly noted since the beginning of fur industry expansion. Once animals have invaded ecosystems adjacent to source farms escapees can change the demography of the feral populations through hybridization, outbreeding depression, competition and spreading of various pathogens which can decimate wild populations. In our study, we aimed to assess spread of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) in the feral population of American mink (Neovison vison) in Iceland. The additional objective was to elucidate whether basic morpho-anatomical parameters (i.e., Fulton’s condition factor or spleen to body weight ratio) might be used as a preliminary indicator of AMDV infection.MethodsAmerican mink (n = 164) were captured by professional hunters in 8 regions of Iceland. The detection of AMDV in the spleen of male and female individuals was based on PCR amplification of an NS1 gene fragment.ResultsWe confirmed AMDV presence in 23.8% (n = 39) of collected samples with no significant difference in infection rate between males and females. Additionally, we revealed that the prevalence of virus in the feral population was higher closer to fur farms. However, the countrywide prevalence and direction of AMDV distribution needs to be further investigated. Comparison of condition indices in non-infected and infected animals showed significant deterioration of body and spleen parameters in the latter group. Therefore, the application of basic measurements of the American mink may be used to evaluate the health status of individuals in terms of pathogen infection.ConclusionsThe study shed a new light on prevalence and distribution of AMDV in the feral population of American mink in Iceland and the results might be successfully applied to develop models to infer dynamics of various pathogens, even those latently transmitted by disease-free animals.

The distribution of American mink (Neovison vison) in Greece

Abstract The distribution of the American mink in the wild, originating either from accidental escapes or intentional releases from fur farms, was mapped for the first time in Greece, based on opportunistic data collected from 2010 to 2020. Greece is a key actor in Europe’s fur industry, with most mink farms operating in the northwest. Massive intentional releases by activists took place in the late 2000s, while accidental escapes regularly occur. Most mink were recorded in the Region of Western Macedonia, in NW Greece, within and around the core areas of fur farms, where feral populations became established. Animals were also found further south in the Regions of Thessaly (central Greece) and Central Macedonia (northern Greece). Half of mink records were close to protected areas and almost two-thirds near to watercourses. Many animals were away from the water and on high altitudes, with theoretically less favourable conditions for their survival. We also examine possible directions of further mink range expansion in Greece and neighbouring countries through the river network. Mink invasion progress in Greece is little known, thus, the subject is in urgent need of study, as mink is the alien mammal with the highest impact on the European native fauna.

Trichinelloscopy of domestic and wild animal carcasses

The purpose of the research is analyze the localization of Trichinella sp. in animals muscle and to evaluate the methods of intravital and post-mortem diagnosis of trichinellosis in domestic, wild and game animals.Materials and methods. In order to prevent trichinellosis in human population and animals, life-time and post-mortem diagnosis methods for trichinellosis are widely used. Life-time diagnosis of trichinellosis is based on detection of specific antibodies in blood serum of sick animals. Modern immunological assays allow detecting specific antibodies (immunoglobulins J and M) at 10–12 days after infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with fractionated antigen has the greatest real possibility of application for individual and mass seroepizootic studies of pigs and horses; ELISA is a highly sensitive and specific test. Veterinary and sanitary examination is conducted by methods of compressor trichinelloscopy and peptolysis (muscle tissue digested in artificial gastric juice). For the compression research method, in particular for pig carcasses, 2 samples of the diaphragmatic peduncles of 60 g each are taken. It is also possible to study samples from masticatory muscles, tongue, intercostal space or esophagus. Twelve sections are made from each sample (24 in total). A more sensitive and productive method is the digestion of muscle tissue using a set of diagnostic devices and instruments such as AVT. The method is based on peptolysis of crushed muscle tissue in technological reactors. Diagnosis of trichinellosis using such devices makes it possible to automate and mechanize all processes associated with the isolation of Trichinella larvae. The main application areas of the devices are meat processing factories, fur farms or veterinary and sanitary examination laboratories in the markets.Results and discussion. We presented data on the role of veterinary and sanitary examination for trichinellosis in susceptible animals as the core measure in the system of measures to prevent this infection. We analyzed indicators of diagnostic efficiency, performance and usability of methods of compressor trichinelloscopy and digestion of muscle tissue in artificial gastric juice. Factors of diagnostic efficiency, performance and usability of methods of compressor trichinelloscopy and digestion of muscle tissue in artificial gastric juice were analyzed. Information was given on localization of Trichinella larvae in various species of domestic and wild animals, optimal sampling sites and volumes of muscle tissue samples with the existing methods of examination for trichinellosis. To study fresh carcasses for trichinellosis at meat processing factories, the peptolysis method is recommended.

Prevalence, Serotypes, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella from Mink Feces and Feed in the United States.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, and concentrated animal production such as commercial mink farming can be a reservoir. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, serotypes, antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes and mobile genetic elements, and phylogenetic characterization of Salmonella from mink fecal (n = 42) and feed (n = 8) samples at a commercial mink farm in the United States. Salmonella was detected from 11 (26.2%) fecal and 1 (12.5%) feed samples. Twelve fecal isolates obtained from the positive samples were identified into four serotypes: Salmonella Uganda (eight isolates; two isolates were obtained from one sample), Salmonella Reading (two isolates), Salmonella Heidelberg (one isolate), and Salmonella Orion (one isolate). Two isolates from the positive feed sample were identified as Salmonella Cerro. Twelve isolates, one isolate per positive sample, were whole genome sequenced for further characterization. The two Salmonella Reading isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) with the classical ASSuT (ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline) phenotype. Genotypically, the isolates were correspondingly positive, both by polymerase chain reaction and by whole-genome sequencing (WGS), for blaTEM-1, aph(3″)-Ib and aph(6)-Id, sul2, and tet(A). WGS additionally identified trimethoprim resistance gene dfrA8 in Salmonella Reading, and fosfomycin resistance gene fosA7 in Salmonella Heidelberg. All isolates carried Salmonella-specific multidrug resistance (mdsA/B), gold resistance, and intimin-like virulence genes. In addition, Salmonella Orion carried copper and silver resistance gene clusters. The two Salmonella Reading isolates also carried a cytolethal distension toxin (cdtB) gene. Salmonella Reading isolates belonged to ST412, a predominant sequence type among turkey and human isolates obtained in relation to recent salmonellosis outbreaks in North America. Phylogenetically, Salmonella Uganda, Salmonella Heidelberg, and Salmonella Reading were mostly associated with historic human/clinical, and poultry and swine source isolates. This study indicates that mink production can be a reservoir for foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella with MDR serovars commonly associated with human illnesses.

The role of dietary supplements in the meat productivity of rabbits with a dry type of feeding

The role of vitamin-mineral premix and nanocrystalline iron in the meat productivity of young rabbits was studied by classical methods in the scientific and economic experience in the departments of fur farming and Rabbit Breeding of the V. A. Afanasyev Research Institute of Fur Farming and Rabbit Breeding. From 180 heads of young rabbits at the age of 45 days, 3 groups of 60 heads each were formed according to the principle of analogues: the 1-st-control group received a typical full-fledged granulated mixed feed (FGMF) with a vitamin-mineral premix P 90-2T, in the (FGMF) of the 2-nd and 3-rd experimental groups, the premix was absent, but nanocrystalline iron was included in the (FGMF) of the 3-rd group. Control slaughter of rabbits to assess meat productivity was carried out at the age of 90 days. During the experiment, it was found that the feed in all groups was identical in gross caloric content, but slightly different in the ratio of nutrients. In the mixed feed of the experimental groups, there were more nutrients with the highest digestibility coefficient (fat and soluble carbohydrates) and almost 2 times less fiber, which is slightly digested in young rabbits, only by 3-10%. Rabbits of all groups had no significant differences in live weight and average daily gain. But during the fattening period, the rabbits of the experimental groups consumed less feed when feeding freely than in the control group. At the same time, there were no significant differences in the mass of the carcass and the slaughter yield between the groups. But the feed conversion rate in the experimental groups was 1.32 and 1.28 lower than in the control group, which is economically advantageous. Based on the results of the experiment, it can be assumed that the inclusion of biologically active additives in the form of vitamin-mineral premix and nanocrystalline iron in the full-fledged granular feed for young rabbits does not make much sense, since it does not contribute to increasing meat productivity. In the cost of mixed feed, the vitamin and mineral premix accounts for 10%. Optimizing the ratio of nutrients in the diet plays a crucial role in reducing the feed conversion rate.

Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected mink farms: Impact, transmission dynamics, genetic patterns, and environmental contamination.

SARS-CoV-2 infection outbreaks in minks have serious implications associated with animal health and welfare, and public health. In two naturally infected mink farms (A and B) located in Greece, we investigated the outbreaks and assessed parameters associated with virus transmission, immunity, pathology, and environmental contamination. Symptoms ranged from anorexia and mild depression to respiratory signs of varying intensity. Although the farms were at different breeding stages, mortality was similarly high (8.4% and 10.0%). The viral strains belonged to lineages B.1.1.218 and B.1.1.305, possessing the mink-specific S-Y453F substitution. Lung histopathology identified necrosis of smooth muscle and connective tissue elements of vascular walls, and vasculitis as the main early key events of the acute SARS-CoV-2-induced broncho-interstitial pneumonia. Molecular investigation in two dead minks indicated a consistently higher (0.3–1.3 log10 RNA copies/g) viral load in organs of the male mink compared to the female. In farm A, the infected farmers were responsible for the significant initial infection of 229 out of 1,000 handled minks, suggesting a very efficient human-to-mink transmission. Subsequent infections across the sheds wherein animals were being housed occurred due to airborne transmission. Based on a R0 of 2.90 and a growth rate equal to 0.293, the generation time was estimated to be 3.6 days, indicative of the massive SARS-CoV-2 dispersal among minks. After the end of the outbreaks, a similar percentage of animals were immune in the two farms (93.0% and 93.3%), preventing further virus transmission whereas, viral RNA was detected in samples collected from shed surfaces and air. Consequently, strict biosecurity is imperative during the occurrence of clinical signs. Environmental viral load monitoring, in conjunction with NGS should be adopted in mink farm surveillance. The minimum proportion of minks that need to be immunized to avoid outbreaks in farms was calculated at 65.5%, which is important for future vaccination campaigns.

Development and application of iron supplements, and principles of iron deficiency anemia therapy in fur farming

A key factor in the non-infectious disease of iron deficiency anemia, which slows down the growth and development of fur farming species, is metabolic disturbance of iron in the body, which leads to deprivation of condition and quality of furs. It has been shown that the use of supplements of ferrous and ferric iron leads to damage not only to the structural elements of the gastrointestinal tract, but also to other systems and organs, which is due to the fact that in the absence of oxygen in the tissues, the reduction of iron from the ferric form to the ferrous form with further transfer electrons from ferrous iron to hydrogen peroxide causes the formation of a hydroxyl radical, which launches a program for self-destruction. Several factors are proposed to solve the problem, including usage of iron supplements for oral use in fur farming - industry where they are not used enough, and conduction of research on development and study of the effect of physiologically-pharmacologically active compounds based on a polymer (iron-hydroxide polymantose) on fur animals for treatment and prevention of microelemetosis. It is being solved by the collective of the Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology of Moscow state Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology by K.I. Scriabin in cooperation with research and production company LLC Firm "A-BIO" on the basis of an analysis of literary and patent sources, production technologies, pharmacological characteristics of ongoing research to develop and study the effect of physiologically and pharmacologically active compounds based on polymer (iron-hydroxide polymantose) on fur animals in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Farmed Mink (Neovison vison), Poland.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease and has been spreading worldwide since December 2019. The virus can infect different animal species under experimental conditions, and mink on fur farms in Europe and other areas are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection in 91 mink from a farm in northern Poland. Using reverse transcription PCR, antigen detection, and next-generation sequencing, we confirmed that 15 animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2. We verified this finding by sequencing full viral genomes and confirmed a virus variant that has sporadic mutations through the full genome sequence in the spike protein (G75V and C1247F). We were unable to find other SARS-CoV-2 sequences simultaneously containing these 2 mutations. Country-scale monitoring by veterinary inspection should be implemented to detect SARS-CoV-2 in other mink farms.

Peculiarities of breeding work with red foxes obtained as a result of dominant color mutations

The proportion of the silver-black breed population in the fox gene pool by 2019 was 89.3%, the Vyatka ognevka accounted for 9.9%, so only 0.8% remained for the entire colored population. However, it is no secret that the market does not tolerate uniformity. One of the most effective ways to increase sales of any product, including fur products, is to expand the assortment. The fox industry has something to offer the consumer: in the niche of fur farming by the variety of colorful forms with it can be compared only with mink. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the history of "color" fox breeding dates back to the 30s of the last century, at present there is a lack of systematized information in Russian on various aspects of breeding mutant color forms of the fox. This work is devoted to determining the optimal breeding methods for obtaining the maximum number of young foxes of original coloration obtained as a result of dominant mutations. Research objective is to reveal and generalize the peculiarities of breeding work with foxes of snow, white-marbled, platinum and marbled colors. To this end, the following tasks have been set: to analyze the reproduction rates of female and male foxes of the above colors; to compare the results of reproduction depending on age; to identify the most productive type of crossbreeding for the breeding of the foxes presented. The article presents the results of various interbreeding of silver-black, snow, marbled and red foxes. Analysis of mating of animals of different ages has been carried out. The optimal combinations of parental pairs are revealed.

Parallel isolation of calicivirus and reovirus from lethal co-infected mink during a potential epidemic of farmed mink infections

Mink has been identified as an animal with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and also as the only animal with evidence to transmit the virus back to humans. Thus, the surveillance of viruses among high-density farmed minks has a significant meaning for the control of zoonotic emerging diseases in humans. Within anal swabs of minks that died of unknown causes in a mink farm, mink calicivirus (MCV) and mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) were detected and simultaneously observed within MDCK cell culture from the sample of the same lethal mink. The parallel isolation was successfully performed by utilizing cell lines from different host sources with distinct viral sensitivities, i.e. Mv.1.Lu and Vero-E6 and the two viruses were independently separated. The prevalence of the virus among the minks and its genomic characteristics were investigated through deep sequencing technology. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral genome showed a close relationship of the newly isolated MCV-GCCDC8-2020 with MCV strains belonging to the genus Vesivirus, but with unique mutations derived from the major structural protein (VP1). The reovirus MRV-GCCDC9-2020 isolated from the same mink belongs to serotype 3 mammalian orthoreovirus and genome analysis showed a potential reassortment derived from reoviruses in different species. This study provides a beneficial reference on viral co-infection within disease investigation in farmed minks and raises the concern for the virus surveillance among the high-density fed animal farms.

Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV)

Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is one the most relevant pathogens of domestic mink, where it can cause significant economic losses, and wild species, which are considered a threat to mink farms. Despite their relevance, many aspects of the origin, evolution, and geographic and host spreading patterns of AMDV have never been investigated on a global scale using a comprehensive biostatistical approach. The present study, benefitting from a large dataset of sequences collected worldwide and several phylodynamic-based approaches, demonstrates the ancient origin of AMDV and its broad, unconstrained circulation from the initial intercontinental spread to the massive among-country circulation, especially within Europe, combined with local persistence and evolution. Clear expansion of the viral population size occurred over time until more effective control measures started to be applied. The role of frequent changes in epidemiological niches, including different hosts, in driving the high nucleotide and amino acid evolutionary rates was also explored by comparing the strengths of selective pressures acting on different populations. The obtained results suggest that the viral passage among locations and between wild and domesticated animals poses a double threat to farm profitability and animal welfare and health, which is particularly relevant for endangered species. Therefore, further efforts must be made to limit viral circulation and to refine our knowledge of factors enhancing AMDV spread, particularly at the wild-domestic interface.

In the spotlight: Can lights be used to mitigate fox predation on a free-range piggery?

Across the world, the impact of livestock predation is a significant economic and welfare issue for producers, particularly for free-range farms. Non-lethal predator control methods have broad consumer appeal, but in most instances there has been little validation of their effectiveness. Predation remains a major limitation for outdoor piggeries, where predation is both an economic and welfare problem. We compared the efficacy of (1) no lighting (un-lit control), (2) commercially-available Foxlights®, and (3) motion-activated spotlights to test whether lights can deter red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from approaching farrowing huts on an outdoor piggery breeding facility. Passive infrared camera traps were mounted at the entrance to the farrowing huts to monitor fox activity over 85 farrowings. Multiple incidences of foxes carrying piglets away from the huts (both dead and alive) were recorded. There were significant lighting treatment effects on fox activity (P = 0.031) and farm records for number of piglet births recorded per sow (P = 0.015). Compared with the un-lit control treatment, farrowing huts in the Foxlights® treatment had 12 % more fox activity, and 23 % fewer piglet births recorded for sows in these paddocks. Controlling for environmental covariates, there was predicted to be 39 % more fox activity on dark (new moon) nights for the Foxlights® treatment. By contrast, compared with the control, farrowing huts in the motion-activated spotlight treatment had similar overall fox activity (–5%) and piglet births recorded (–3 %). Interactions with moon phase (and rainfall as a prediction of cloud cover) are likely to be important considerations for studies of lighting deterrents, and we found that weaning rate (farm records for the proportion of piglets born alive that survived to weaning) was only influenced by lunar illumination (p = 0.003), with 16 % fewer piglets born around bright (full moon) nights surviving to weaning compared with dark (new moon) nights. Rather than being a deterrent, Foxlights® appear to be an attractant to foxes on this property, where there was no reinforcement with aversive human activity or other deterrent modalities. The motion-activated spotlights may be more effective because they are only activated when an animal is present and should therefore have reduced likelihood of habituation; however we found no data suggesting that they improved the outcome over our un-lit control treatment for this outdoor piggery.

Occupational and environmental exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in and around infected mink farms

ObjectiveUnprecedented SARS-CoV-2 infections in farmed minks raised immediate concerns regarding transmission to humans and initiated intensive environmental investigations to assess occupational and environmental exposure.MethodsAir sampling was performed at infected Dutch...

Genetic and phenotypic parameters for Aleutian disease tests and their correlations with pelt quality, reproductive performance, packed-cell volume, and harvest length in mink.

Aleutian disease (AD), caused by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), is a major health concern that results in global economic losses to the mink industry. The unsatisfactory outcome of the culling strategy, immunoprophylaxis, and medical treatment in controlling AD have urged mink farmers to select AD resilient mink based on several detection tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), and iodine agglutination test (IAT). However, the genetic analysis of these AD tests and their correlations with pelt quality, reproductive performance, packed-cell volume (PCV), and harvest length (HL) have not been investigated. In this study, data on 5,824 mink were used to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters of four AD tests, including two systems of ELISA, CIEP, and IAT, and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with two pelt quality, five female reproductive performance, PCV, and HL traits. Significances (P < 0.05) of fixed effects (sex, year, dam age, and color type), covariates (age at harvest and blood sampling), and random effects (additive genetic, permanent environmental, and maternal effects) were determined under univariate models using ASReml 4.1 software. The genetic and phenotypic parameters for all traits were estimated under bivariate models using ASReml 4.1 software. Estimated heritabilities (±SE) were 0.39 ± 0.06, 0.61 ± 0.07, 0.11 ± 0.07, and 0.26 ± 0.05 for AMDV antigen-based ELISA (ELISA-G), AMDV capsid protein-based ELISA, CIEP, and IAT, respectively. The ELISA-G also showed a moderate repeatability (0.58 ± 0.04) and had significant negative genetic correlations (±SE) with reproductive performance traits (from -0.41 ± 0.16 to -0.49 ± 0.12), PCV (-0.53 ± 0.09), and HL (-0.45 ± 0.16). These results indicated that ELISA-G had the potential to be applied as an indicator trait for genetic selection of AD resilient mink in AD endemic ranches and therefore help mink farmers to reduce the adverse effects caused by AD.

Development of Carnivac-Cov vaccine against coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in carnivores

Development of specific protection in susceptible carnivores against COVID-19 caused by zoonotic agent is of great importance for maintaining epidemic and veterinary favourable situation in the Russian Federation and prevention of new coronavirus infection spread in humans. Development of inactivated adsorbed whole-virion vaccine (Carnivac-Cov) against coronavirus infection (COVID-19) for carnivores intended for specific disease prevention in fur animals and pet animals (cats and dogs) and tests of the vaccine for its safety and effectiveness are described in the paper. The vaccine was developed and tested at the FGBI “ARRIAH” (Vladimir) subordinated to the Rosselkhoznadzor in accordance with the Russian Federation legislation requirements. Clinical trials were carried out on fur farms, in veterinary clinics and animal shelters. More than 330 animals (fur animals, cats, dogs) were involved in the preclinical and clinical trials. The trials have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe for target animals. Carnivac-Cov vaccine administered twice intramuscularly at the dose of 1.0 cm3 induces anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response 14 days after the second administration that lasts for at least 6 months. The vaccine transportation, storage and application do not require any specific protective equipment. The vaccine can be used on fur farms and in veterinary clinics without limitations. Carnivac-Cov is the first tool for specific COVID-19 prevention in animals. The vaccine has successfully passed comprehensive quality control and is registered in the Russian Federation.

SARS-CoV-2, Mannerism, Marten, Mink, and Man

Among the many mustelids are wolverines, weasels (including ermines), otter, badgers, marten (including sables), ferrets, and mink. Since the early Middle Ages, the quest for furs of these animals has played a role in European national expansion into areas where fur-bearing mustelids were populous, including Russia’s expansion into Siberia and France and England’s expansion into North America. Recent experimental research has shown that many mammals can be infected with the virus, including cats, dogs, bank voles, deer mice, fruit bats, ferrets, hamsters, mink, skunks, pigs, rabbits, raccoon dogs, tree shrews, white-tailed deer, rhesus macaques, and cynomolgus macaques. In January 2021, a combined report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Health Organization presented data from OIE and other sources from 36 countries with mink farming industries and documented widespread virus transmission, in both Europe and North America. Because of concerns that mink farm populations could serve as a reservoir for ongoing coronaviruses transmission and result in development of mutations that would undermine the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, large-scale culling of these animals has been pursued by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. [...]it appears that in addition to all the human-to-human contact prevention measures needed to control and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 transmission, interventions that reduce contact of humans or domestic (or farmed) animals with bats or other susceptible wild animals will be needed to avert future spillover with pandemic potential.

Urban mammal fauna under conditions of a large city (on the example of Ulyanovsk, Middle Volga Region)

In this work, the topographic features of the spatial pattern of biodiversity of the urban fauna in general in the city are revealed: the number of urban fauna species has a maximum in the southern part of the city and a minimum in the western part. The mammal fauna as a component of urban fauna in general exhibits greater plasticity and adaptability in relation to humans compared to other groups of biota, for example, the insect fauna and avifauna. The urban mammal fauna in Ulyanovsk has historically formed due to the penetration of representatives of various faunal complexes that inhabit the region into the city area and its vicinities: (1) floodplain species associated with the river Sviyaga and its tributaries, 36.17%; (2) forest species living in pine-deciduous, deciduous-pine, and taiga forests, 46.81%; (3) upland-steppe species associated with Cretaceous landscapes of the right bank, 6.38%; (4) steppe species, including mammals of the left bank, common for the native feather grass–fescue steppes, 6.38%. Some animal species have remained in the city and in the region due to their spread by humans—introduced species and species kept in fur farms (10.64%). Synanthropic species are associated with human settlements (4.26%). The occurrence of species in different zones of the city (right bank and left bank) and habitats with an increase in the level of urbanization and a decrease in species diversity (1–5) are as follows: (1) green zones—parks and squares with woody vegetation, 31 species; (2) floodplain of the river Sviyaga within the city, 24 species; (3) summer cottages within the city, 15 species; (4) private sector with one-storey buildings, 5 species; (5) multi-storey buildings, 4 species. In general, in an urban environment, mammal species that coexist with humans make up 66.19 % of the total number of mammal species in the region. At the same time, the number of rare mammal species listed in the regional Red Book is 12.68%. Thus, when conservation measures for the protection of animal habitats within the urban environment are observed, most species are able to maintain stable populations.

SARS-CоV-2 spread in humans and animals

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses and they are wide spread in animals and humans. They can cause respiratory tract illnesses of various severity. The latest recently discovered coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an agent ofCOVID-19. The first human cases were reported in Wuhan (People’s Republic of China) in December2019. Since then, the disease infected over 153 million people and became the cause of more than 3 million deaths all over the world. Among the leaders in the confirmed cases are the USA, India, Brazil, France, Turkey and Russia. In February 2020, it was determined that some animal species, including domestic cats and dogs, can be infected with SARS-CоV-2. Reports of animal infection in zoos were submitted from the USA, Argentina, Czech Republic, Sweden, Spain, Estonia, RSA and India. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in fur-farmed minks were reported by 13countries. The most large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in minks that involved about 300 mink farms was reported in Denmark. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agent’s transmission from humans to canines (Canidae), felines (Felidae), mustelids (Mustelidae) and hominids (Hominidae) was confirmed. As of early May2021, the disease cases in animals were reported by 33countries. Due to COVID-19 epidemic spread and detection of animal infection cases, diagnosis tools and methods were developed in the Russian Federation, and screening tests were performed in susceptible animal populations in different regions of the country. COVID-19 monitoring results demonstrated the virus in two cats (in Moscow and Tyumen).

Prevention of trichinellosis on fur farms

The purpose of the research is analysing a complex of veterinary and sanitary preventive measures against trichinellosis on fur farms.Materials and methods. The system of measures against trichinellosis is based on creating conditions on fur farms that are aimed at prevention of the invasion, and includes occasional immunological screening of animals, examination of dead animals for trichinellosis and observation of veterinary, sanitary and zootechnical requirements for animal management.Results and discussion. The sero-epizootic monitoring methods of elderly animals implemented on farms based on ELISA and Capillary Ring Precipitin Test allows us to identify infected animals and exclude them from the technology system of maintenance and breeding. The general situation of trichinellosis can be determined by results of studies by a compression or enzyme methods of animal carcasses during the period of mass slaughter for fur.