In the United States, 10,000 mink have died from coronavirus in...

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct.10 (Xinhua) – Nearly 10,000 mink have died of coronavirus in the past two weeks on nine fur farms in the state of Utah, state veterinarian Dean Taylor said.

Taylor was quoted on Friday by NBC news channel as saying the virus was discovered in animals in the US in early August, shortly after local ranch workers tested positive, and investigators believed the creatures were responsible for their luxurious , silky pelts were known to have been infected by humans.

“All research shows that there has been no spread of mink to humans,” said Taylor.

All locations where the COVID-19 outbreak occurred under minks have been quarantined, but no animals have been knocked down because of the disease. The state is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USDA, and other agencies to provide more protective gear and adequate training for mink farmers.

Taylor warned that the COVID-19 outbreak among mink was not easy to prevent and more difficult to stop immediately.

COVID-19 infections in mink have already been documented in many countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain. In June, authorities in these countries gassed hundreds of thousands of animals worried that the mink might harbor the virus and spread it to other farm animals, even humans.

In the United States, the Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Consumer Protection of Wisconsin confirmed Thursday that more than 2,000 mink had died from COVID-19.

“There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play an important role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to humans,” said a press release from the department. “However, people infected with the virus can transmit it to minks and other animals. People who suspect or have confirmed COVID-19 are advised to avoid contact with pets. ”

According to Fur Commission USA, the largest association of mink farmers in the country, there are at least 245 mink farms in 22 states.