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SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed minks, the Netherlands, April and May 2020
Nadia Oreshkova1, Robert Jan Molenaar2, Sandra Vreman1
1Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Respiratory disease and increased mortality occurred in minks on two farms in the Netherlands, with interstitial pneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in organ and swab samples. On both farms, at least one worker had coronavirus disease-associated symptoms before the outbreak. Variations in mink-derived viral genomes showed between-mink transmission and no infection link between the farms. Inhalable dust contained viral RNA, indicating possible exposure of workers. One worker is assumed to have attracted the virus from mink.
Insights
Respiratory disease and increased mortality were observed in minks due to SARS-CoV-2. Viral RNA in dust suggests potential worker exposure, with evidence pointing to mink-to-human transmission on Dutch farms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Mink farms in the Netherlands experienced outbreaks of respiratory illness and mortality.
- Interstitial pneumonia and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were confirmed in affected minks.
- Workers on these farms reported symptoms of coronavirus disease prior to the outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of respiratory disease and mortality in minks.
- To determine the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the outbreaks.
- To assess the potential for virus transmission between minks and humans.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of mink tissues.
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using molecular methods (RT-PCR) in organ and swab samples.
- Viral genome sequencing to analyze transmission patterns.
- Environmental sampling to detect viral RNA in inhalable dust.
Main Results:
- Interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed in affected minks.
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in various mink tissues and swabs.
- Viral genome analysis indicated transmission within farms but not between them.
- Viral RNA was found in inhalable dust, suggesting airborne transmission routes.
- Evidence suggests a worker contracted the virus from minks.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 caused respiratory disease and mortality in Dutch minks.
- Mink-to-mink transmission occurred within farms.
- Environmental contamination with viral RNA poses a risk to farm workers.
- The findings suggest a potential for mink-to-human SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
