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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Mink SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Poland - Short Communication
Katarzyna Domańska-Blicharz1, Anna Orłowska2, Marcin Smreczak2
1Department of Poultry Diseases, Puławy, Poland.
Introduction:
Since April 2020, when the first SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in mink and subsequently in mink farm workers in the Netherlands, it has been confirmed that human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission can occur. Later, SARS-CoV-2 infections in mink were reported in many European and North American countries.
Material And Methods:
Samples from 590 mink from a total of 28 farms were tested by real-time RT-PCR. Whole genome sequences from one positive farm were generated and genetic relatedness was established.
Results:
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on a breeder farm with stock of 5,850 mink. Active viraemia was confirmed in individually tested samples with Ct values respectively between 19.4 and 29.6 for E and N gene fragments. Further testing of samples from culled animals revealed 70% positivity in throat swabs and 30% seropositivity in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length nucleotide sequences of two SARS-CoV-2 isolates revealed that they belong to the 20B Nextstrain clade. Several nucleotide mutations were found in analysed samples compared to the reference Wuhan HU-1 strain and some of them were nonsynonymous.
Conclusion:
We report the infection of mink with SARS-CoV-2 on one farm in Poland and the results of subsequent analysis of virus sequences from two isolates. These data can be useful for assessment of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in Poland and how it endangers public health.
Insights
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected mink on a Polish farm, with evidence of active viremia and mutations. This finding highlights the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and mink, impacting public health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed since April 2020.
- SARS-CoV-2 infections in mink have been reported globally, including Europe and North America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in mink in Poland.
- To analyze the genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from infected mink.
- To assess the public health implications of SARS-CoV-2 in mink populations.
Main Methods:
- Real-time RT-PCR testing of 590 mink from 28 farms.
- Whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic relatedness.
- Testing of culled animals for viral RNA and antibodies.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected on a mink breeder farm with 5,850 animals.
- Active viremia confirmed with specific Ct values for E and N gene fragments.
- 70% positivity in throat swabs and 30% seropositivity in blood samples from culled animals.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed isolates within the 20B Nextstrain clade, with observed nucleotide mutations.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in mink on a Polish farm.
- Identified specific viral genetic characteristics and mutations.
- Data is crucial for assessing the epidemiological situation and public health risks in Poland.
