Experimental Infection of Mink with SARS-COV-2 Omicron Variant and Subsequent Clinical Disease

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Pathogens

Background:

• American mink are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.
• The potential for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant transmission in mink requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally infect American mink with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
• To assess viral shedding, clinical progression, and transmission dynamics in mink.

Main Methods:

• Experimental inoculation of American mink with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron.
• Monitoring of viral RNA shedding via RT-qPCR.
• Clinical and histopathological examination of infected animals.
• Assessment of transmission to naive contact animals.

Main Results:

• Mink remained positive for viral RNA for an extended period.
• Infected mink exhibited clinical signs and observable histopathologic changes.
• The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was transmitted from infected to uninfected mink recipients.

Conclusions:

• American mink are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection and can transmit the virus.
• Effective biosecurity and preparedness are essential to mitigate viral spread within mink populations and prevent zoonotic spillover to humans.