The Dutch government is now killing thousands of minks to stop the COVID-19 Spread to humans

International Humane Society of Animal Rights Organization ( HSI） Ask global closure of mink fur farming to stop COVID-19 The Dutch authorities believe that this is directly transmitted from animals to humans.The call came after the outbreak of the virus in fur farms in the Netherlands and Spain.On April 26, it was found in two mink fur farms in the Netherlands SARS-CoV-2（ lead to COVID-19 The virus), two of which were found on May 9, were more fur farms, including in dust particles in mink houses.On May 15, diagnosed among three cats living on mink farm SARS-CoV-2， The virus was found there.

By May 25, two workers at the two mink farms were tested COVID-19 positive, resulting in mandatory virus screening on all mink farms in the Netherlands.In Spain, on May 22, La Puebla de Valverde 7 out of 14 employees SARS-CoV-2 A positive reaction.After these events, the Dutch Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten It was confirmed that the virus was transmitted from mink to humans, rather than, on the contrary, as the Dutch government previously believed – “very likely.”June 1, SARS-Cov-2 Appeared in three other fur fields in the country, and the fourth pig farm was recorded on June 3.On June 5, the Dutch government began to "crow" thousands of minks in these nine pig farms, and estimated that 60 million minks have been raised worldwide, with the three largest producers being China (20.6 million minks), Denmark (17.6 million minks) and Poland (5 million minks). HSI Senior Director of Public Affairs, Europe Joanna Swabe There have been 19 outbreaks, explaining that on these crowded farms, the conditions for the spread of zoonotic diseases are ripe.

Intensive cages of animals at fur farms have been a potential breeding ground for infectious diseases and have confirmed that minks on Dutch fur farms have infected workers. COVID-19 Exposing another reason to close this cruel and totally unnecessary industry, Swabe explain.In unsanitary, crowded and stressful conditions, fur farms often put thousands of minks in cages, unlike the wildlife market that is focused around the world.In addition to the natural cruelty of farming in fur factories, the spreading potential of zoonotic diseases, especially mink farms, can also serve as a reservoir for coronavirus to breed pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, and in 2013, the Dutch government (which breeds about 4.5 million minks in 2018) passed a ban on mink farming.It is planned to take effect in 2024.“The Netherlands’ deadline for phase-out mink farms by 2024 will only offer three and a half years of unnecessary risks, Swabe explain.

The Dutch government, as well as all fur producers, including Denmark, Poland, France, Italy, China, Finland, Spain and the United States, should commit to stop this inhumane practice and protect public health.There were 5 million minks in 2018 – a ban on mink farming that came into effect in 2024 was passed.The Netherlands’ deadline for phasing out mink farms in 2024 will only provide three and a half years of unnecessary risks. Swabe Said.“The Dutch government, along with all fur producers such as Denmark, Poland, France, Italy, China, Finland, Spain and the United States, should commit to stop this inhumane practice and protect public health.There were 5 million minks in 2018 – a ban on mink farming that came into effect in 2024 was passed.“The Netherlands’ deadline for phase-out mink farms in 2024 will only provide three and a half years of unnecessary risks. Swabe Said.The Dutch government, as well as all fur producers, including Denmark, Poland, France, Italy, China, Finland, Spain and the United States, should commit to stop this inhumane practice and protect public health.