Five mink infected with SARS-CoV-2, the animal virus linked to COVID-19 in humans, were identified at two Utah mink farms. This is the first confirmed case of the virus in mink in the United States.
Necropsies were completed on several dead animals from the two farms after unusually high mortality rates were reported in the mink populations. The affected mink farms have been completely quarantined to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
According to a press release from Gov. Gary Herbert’s office, cases of COVID-19 were reported in the staff of both farms where mink infections were identified. The release states that currently there is no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in transmitting the virus to humans.
Although this is the first case in the United States, earlier this year the virus was detected internationally in mink in the Netherlands.
