Dutch authorities believe minks may have infected human with Covid-19

Testing will become mandatory at mink farms, the Dutch government said.  Shutterstock

Dutch authorities believe that a mink may have infected a human with Covid-19, and are instituting mandatory testing at all mink farms in the Netherlands.

“On the basis of new research results from the ongoing research into Covid-19 infections at mink farms, it is plausible that an infection took place from mink to human,” the Dutch government said in a statement late Tuesday night. “It also appears from this research that minks can have Covid-19 without displaying symptoms.”

The government said that antibody testing of minks will be expanded to “all mink farms in the Netherlands and will become mandatory.”

The government also said it believes that cats may be playing a role in the spread of the virus between farms. “Ongoing research shows the viruses at two of the infected farms are very similar,” the statement said. Covid-19 was found in three of 11 cats at one mink farm, it said.

“In the course of this investigation, it is advised that infected mink farms ensure that cats cannot enter or leave the farm premises.”