Fraser Valley mink farm quarantined because of COVID-19 outbreak
Posted December 9, 2020 2:03 pm.
Last Updated December 14, 2020 12:56 pm.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) — A mink farm in the Fraser Valley has been placed under a quarantine order because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
B.C.’s chief veterinarian has banned the movement of animals and materials after five mink samples tested positive, according to a release from the province. Test results from the five samples confirm it’s the same virus that makes humans sick, but research continues to determine the exact strain.
Ministry of Agriculture staff report the animals will be cared for and fed until this outbreak is over.
RELATED: Canada’s mink breeders increasing security to protect animals and industry from COVID
The testing of the minks started after at least eight workers at the farm became infected with the virus as well.
During a routine inspection in September, the operators were found to be in compliance with all animal welfare and biosecurity standards.
Similar outbreaks in Denmark recently prompted a massive cull in that country.
The outbreak at the mink farm doesn’t pose a health risk to other farms, according to the province.
