COVID-19 outbreak at Fraser Valley mink farm infects eight people
Posted December 6, 2020 6:04 pm.
Last Updated December 7, 2020 7:39 am.
FRASER VALLEY (NEWS 1130) — A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a Fraser Valley mink farm after eight people tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the health authority.
In a statement Sunday, Fraser Health says the farm’s operators and “affected staff,” are self-isolating, and all workers are being screened.
“Under the BC Animal Health Act, the mink farm has been ordered to restrict the transport of animals, products, and goods from the farm,” reads a release.
“Animal welfare is being supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and testing of animals is underway.”
RELATED: Canada’s mink breeders increasing security to protect animals and industry from COVID
Infections on mink farms in Europe and the United States have revealed the animals are susceptible to COVID-19
Breeders in Denmark euthanized 2.5 million minks following outbreaks, while mink farmers in Spain culled almost 100,000. In the U.S., nearly 10,000 minks across Utah died of COVID-19 as the virus spread rapidly across farms in the state.
There are 70 mink farms in Canada.
