Replication and Transmission of Influenza A Virus in Farmed Mink

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Disease Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Farmed mink are often exposed to various influenza A viruses (IAVs).
• Mink are known to be susceptible to both avian and human influenza strains.
• Previous studies suggest mink may play a role in influenza virus ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if farmed mink, pre-exposed to H9, can act as mixing vessels for reassorting avian and human IAVs.
• To determine the susceptibility and permissiveness of farmed mink to avian (H6N6) and human (H1N1) influenza strains.
• To assess the transmission efficiency of these influenza strains among farmed mink.

Main Methods:

• Experimental infection of farmed mink with avian H6N6 and human H1N1 influenza strains.
• Monitoring viral shedding and serological responses in infected mink.
• Assessing virus transmission dynamics within mink populations.

Main Results:

• Farmed mink remained fully susceptible and permissive to infection with both avian H6N6 and human H1N1 influenza strains.
• Efficient transmission of both influenza strains was observed among farmed mink.
• Mink demonstrated the capacity to sustain viral exchange between different influenza subtypes.

Conclusions:

• Farmed mink are highly permissive hosts that can facilitate the reassortment of human and avian influenza A viruses.
• Current mink farming practices pose a significant risk for the emergence of pandemic influenza strains.
• Urgent revision and enforcement of biosecurity protocols and surveillance in fur farming are necessary.