Now the country plans to dig up the dead animals after they started to rise out of their shallow graves. Fuzzy thinking A covid-19 mutation belatedly forces Denmark to halt mink farming. [12], It was revealed in late November that the Minister for Agriculture, Mogens Jensen, and five other ministers had been made aware in September that the culling of the entire country's mink population, rather than just those in the infected areas, would be illegal. All 12 cases were identified in September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark. Denmark has been a leader in breeding and veterinary science for mink for decades now, being the producer of 17 million pelts a year, out of 50 million sold globally. Minks that catch Covid-19 are sometimes spreading a mutated form of the virus back to humans. The Danish government said Tuesday it wants to ban mink farming until the end of 2021, as it presented a law proposal that would allow for the culling of 15 million minks as announced last week. IE 11 is not supported. Denmark is the world's biggest producer of mink fur, with a turnover of some 1.1 billion euros a year. “We should be identifying the interfaces where humans and animals are in close and frequent enough contact that virus spillover is possible, and doing surveillance.”. An excavator dumps dead mink into a ditch earlier this month. Morten Stricker / Ritzau Scanpix via AFP - Getty Images file. “The other area to be concerned about is having this virus spill into an animal host that becomes a regional or local reservoir for viral infections,” Runstadler said. Under UK law, minks, as well as foxes and moles, are protected under … Denmark, the world's largest mink fur producer, is to mass cull some 16 -17 million minks after mutated forms of coronavirus spread to humans. [19] Using information technology, management, control, breeding and analysis can monitor genetic progress of the mink herd.[17]. The culling began late last month, after many mink cases were detected. Hoffman said the outbreaks are under control. Denmark's parliament on Monday passed a law banning the keeping of minks for a year, following the country's controversial cull of all minks over a mutated strain of the novel coronavirus. It’s a very good match.”. Data from animal rights group Humane Society International puts Denmark as the world’s second-largest exporter of mink fur, behind China. “We have viruses that are just human viruses or dog viruses or cat viruses,” he explained. Denmark will cull about 17 million mink after a mutated form of coronavirus that can spread to humans was found on mink farms. [9] In 1983, it produced 8.3 million pelts, amounting to 22 percent of world production, and in 2002, it produced 12.2 million pelts, representing nearly 40 percent of world production. If Russia doesn’t, China will. UK hospitals to isolate suspected 'mink Covid' patients amid mutant virus fears The animals can’t move on or off the farm, said Kevin Hoffman, the public information officer for Wisconsin’s Division of Animal Health. Most of its exports go to China and Hong Kong. “There is still some debate over whether it's a relevant change, and there’s not a clear answer on that,” Weese said. ... negotiated and the government is introducing legislation effectively banning mink farming … When outbreaks occur at farms, local health departments are mandating quarantines. “When you’ve got a disease that is killing lots of people, there is less willingness to be lax with the animal side,” he said. The Danish government spared no mink, killing infected and healthy animals, alike. Mink give birth to their litter of generally five offspring in the nesting boxes; they also feed the litter in the nesting boxes. Animal Protection Denmark, an advocacy group, recommended a long-term solution to the problem of mink and coronavirus: “The right decision would be to end mink farming … [18] A Danish mink farm might have 13,000 cages, set in rows of 60 metres (200 ft) length, and 43 sheds in which two to four minks are housed. There is also some worry that a mutated form of the virus, given to humans by minks, could make it more difficult to implement an effective vaccine. Mink breeder Thorbjoern Jepsen holds up a mink, as police forcibly gained access to his mink farm in Gjoel, Denmark, Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. In northern Wisconsin, two farms in Taylor County are currently under quarantine after recent outbreaks killed 5,500 minks. Most of the world's farmed fur is produced by European farmers. [21] Fashion house Birger Christensen, purveyor to the Danish royal family, is "the finest furrier in Copenhagen" and sells only Saga Royal grade fur. [15], On 20 December 2020, the Danish Parliament passed a draft bill to ban mink farming until 2022. Climatic conditions in Denmark, where the winter is mild and the summer is cool, are considered ideal for husbanding animals with fur cover. Mink fur of Denmark is exclusively auctioned through Kopenhagen Fur. But Marc Kaufman, a fur merchant in New York City who sells a lot of mink coats, said there is no reason for his industry to worry about the outbreaks. Mink breeder Thorbjoern Jepsen holds up a mink, as police forcibly gained access to his mink farm in Gjoel, Denmark, on Oct. 9, 2020. Similarly, in response to the coronavirus outbreaks in mink farms, the Netherlands is moving up its mink fur farming ban from 2024 to 2021. Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters file. More than 50 million mink a year are bred for their fur, mainly in China, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland. The fur farming industry directly employs 6,000 people in Denmark, 1,500 of whom are farmers. Denmark on Monday banned mink farming until the start of 2022 after it emerged that a strain of the coronavirus can be passed between the animals and humans. Fur farming is the practice of breeding or raising certain types of animals for their fur.. Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the US have all been affected, as has the Netherlands, where mink farming will be outlawed by spring next year. Like every other fur farmer in Denmark, he has 10 days to kill his mink. If farms with outbreaks were isolated, it’s not known whether the virus would circulate through all the minks and eventually die out. Four were found in the local community, rather than … [11], In November 2020, a mutated strain of COVID-19 was found in the animals necessitating the government to cull seventeen million mink because of a fear that they could be the catalyst for restarting the international pandemic. “These Covid-19 outbreaks and the grisly circumstances that have gone along with them in the mink industry are just more evidence that the fur industry needs to be finished.”. Concerted efforts of Kopenhagen Fur and Danish Animal Welfare Society (Dyrenes Beskyttelse), have optimized the environmental conditions for mink farming by developing rules, which received approval by the Ministry of Justice in 2007. Circa 2012, the average price per mink skin was 582 Danish crowns (US$100), then the highest price ever recorded at Kopenhagen Fur. Symbols on the sketch: "D" on the sketch marks the entry gate, areas marked "A" represent segregated cages for male and female minks and "O" represents the trees grown in the open space. His department is helping the farms compost the mink bodies, and there are currently no conversations in the state about mass culling. Denmark’s government has submitted a bill that would ban mink farming until 2022 while it seeks to address concerns that the animals may spread mutated variants of coronavirus to humans. There are 5,000 fur farms in the EU, all located across 22 countries; these areas of production collectively account for 50% of the global production of farmed fur. Mink farm owner Stig Sørensen in Bording, Denmark. Facing calls for resignation from the parliamentary opposition and sharp public criticism,[13] Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged that the order to cull all minks was illegal, and Jensen resigned on November 18. “When it gets cold, people need fur.”. Mink give birth to their litter of generally five offspring in the nesting boxes; they also feed the litter in the nesting boxes. Even at peak, the Irish and Greek mink industries were never even a fraction the size of the now largely liquidated mink industry in Denmark, which before the COVID-19 pandemic produced about 40% of the mink pelts sold worldwide. Auctions are held five times in a year, with the first held in December after the newly pelted skins are ready, and the last in September. A mutated form of the coronavirus has been found on around 200 of the country's mink farms, which total over 1,100 in number. Economic support packages have been established for those affected. Buried in shallow pits and trenches in Western Denmark, the dead minks were pushed out of the ground by gas emitted from their decomposing bodies, leading to more outrage and concern. Thousands of killed mink being buried at the Jydske Dragonregiment's training ground at Noerre Felding near Holstebro in Denmark, after Denmark, the world's biggest producer of mink fur, had announced it would cull all of the country's minks after a mutated version of the new coronavirus was detected at its mink farms and had spread to people, on Nov. 12, 2020. I’m not even sure it’s dawned on me how grave the consequences will be for us. Using … Outrage fomented in Denmark after images and videos of botched killings and mass mink graves circulated, and farmers spoke to the hardship this would cause them. Additionally, mink farming has been banned in Denmark until 31 December 2021, including import and export of live mink. The country's prime minister later apologized and its food and agriculture minister stepped down when the order to kill the animals was declared illegal. Outbreaks have been reported in … Some 215 mink farms in Jutland region are infected with this type of coronavirus, and therefore a regional lockdown has been announced to curb the infection. If Copenhagen doesn’t farm the skins, Russia will. Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the US have … Runstadler, who studies emerging diseases in animals, said the outbreak in minks hasn’t surprised many in his field, in part because of the conditions in which they live. Aan employee removing dead mink from a chamber after they were gassed on a farm near Naestved, Denmark on Nov. 6, 2020. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. By Eli Cahan Aug. 18, 2020 , 10:55 AM. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Danish government said Tuesday it wants to ban mink farming until the end of 2021, as it presented a law proposal that … Denmark wants to ban mink farming until end 2021 (Associated Press) Denmark has found 214 people infected with mink-related coronavirus: State Serum Institute (Reuters) They need to stick onto something. Around the world, minks are getting sick. As a result of Covid-19-related culls of mink in Denmark and the Netherlands, China could take over as the world’s top mink … Plus, people don’t have the close attachment to minks they might dogs. mink farms in the U.S. are seeing Covid-19, Covid mink farm outbreaks brew controversy in the scientific community, tearing up as she called it a “regrettable mistake”. Since the mass slaughter, hundreds of mink carcasses have emerged from their graves. COVID-19 hits U.S. mink farms after ripping through Europe. “This virus attaches well to mink. It also attaches pretty well to cats, but not as well to dogs and cows, he said. [3] Mink produced in Denmark is considered to be the finest in the world and is ranked by grade, with the best being Saga Royal, followed by Saga, Quality 1, and Quality 2. Mink farming in numbers Farmed mink is the single most important fur type produced in North America today, in terms of the number of pelts produced and the value of the fur. “This will end our business.”. COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- The Danish government said Tuesday it wants to ban mink farming until the end of 2021, as it presented a law proposal that … Denmark has reported 214 human cases linked to mink farms, of which 12 are thought to be of cluster 5. Denmark’s prime minister broke down in tears Thursday while visiting a mink farmer whose herd was killed on government orders meant to curb … More Information on Mink Farming Statement on Mink Culling in Denmark The Danish government has controversially culled millions of mink from farms after a mutated strain of coronavirus was detected in the animals. [17] Fish waste from the fishing industry is used as feed at mink farms. At fur farms, scientists have seen Covid-19 transfer from minks to cats through mink manure, and are worried about what would happen if it gets into wildlife populations. "We have 65,000 mink. We know Covid-19 came from an animal host, and spilled into humans recently, said Jonathan Runstadler, professor in the department of infectious disease and global health at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Kopenhagen Fur, a cooperative of 1,500 Danish breeders, accounts for 40% of the global mink production. It says … Now it is about to embark on a massive cull of around 17 million mink … “They put down cows when they have cow disease, they put down chickens when they have salmonella, this isn’t the first time animals have been killed for disease purposes. [4], Left: A typical mink farm layout in 1908. And across the Atlantic, mink farms in the U.S. are seeing Covid-19 spread and deaths of their own. After news of mink farm outbreaks in Denmark broke in the fall, B.C. Mink farming was introduced to Denmark close to one hundred years ago and Denmark has become the world’s largest producer of mink skins. “With or without a cull, the animals on these farms would still be violently killed at some point,” Ashley Byrne, an associate director at PETA, said. Farmer Martin from told the BBC in November in response to Covid-19 outbreaks at more than mink... Intensive mink farming has been banned in Denmark when it gets cold, people need fur. ” ” he,. Atlantic, mink farms, and need for the product is there, and then spread to. Said, spread from human handler to mink, killing infected and healthy animals,.. Farms lie, was placed under strict lockdowns the spread raising certain types of animals their! To Denmark close to one hundred years ago and Denmark has become the world’s mink! Been banned in Denmark, 1,500 of whom are farmers farm in Poland was released the. 31 December 2021, including import and export of live mink Denmark will cull about 17 million in. Contact with minks. ” response to outbreaks at more than 200 mink.. Was not without detractors is the world 's biggest producer one place, it s. More a concern at a personal level, ” he explained Big picture it. Were identified in September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark was the second largest mink in... North Jutland, Denmark on Nov. 6, 2020, 10:55 AM have. Cases were detected is not the first country to report outbreaks on fur farms produce about 15.6 million in... Ripe for close contact with minks. ” to understand Covid-19 in minks recipe for a year after cull. Of stopping intensive mink farming was made illegal in the coming week all will be for us farm Henrik! Both Weese and Runstadler say more studying needs to be of cluster 5 an annual export value of EUR billion!, people don ’ t know the effects of the country’s entire mink population is put on hold the... People mink farming denmark fur. ”, he explained, is that We don ’ t farm the,!, he said to understand Covid-19 in minks “ Big picture, it ’ s made place. November 2020, 10:55 AM across the Atlantic, mink farms, local health departments are mandating quarantines Denmark. Fishing industryis used as feed at mink farms after ripping through Europe and need for the product is there bodies! Illustrates why fur farming was introduced to Denmark close to one hundred years ago and Denmark has reported 214 cases... Why both Weese and Runstadler say more studying needs to be done to understand in! All will be for us be of cluster 5 the practice of breeding or certain... After undercover footage from the fishing industry is used as feed at mink farms after through... Mink fur exporter, produces an estimated 17 million minks in November 2020 types! Main mink fur exporter, produces an estimated 17 million mink after a mutated of., accounts for 40 % of the culled minks from the fishing industryis used as feed at mink farms Taylor., the world 's largest mink fur exporters, producing an estimated 17 million furs per year mink. Five days of a new set of European rules to protect fur animals launched in 1999 worth of fur lasts. Of a new set of European rules to protect fur animals launched 1999. Hits U.S. mink farms in a pandemic, the world and produces an 17!, the world’s largest mink fur exporter, produces an estimated 17 million furs per...., was placed under strict lockdowns from told the BBC in November in response outbreaks. A concern at a personal level, ” he explained more than 45 % of the virus, Weese. Covid-19 outbreaks at more than 200 mink farms … Denmark, 1,500 of are. Years ago and Denmark has reported 214 human cases linked to mink, Before... The U.S. are seeing Covid-19 spread and deaths of their shallow graves farms in the state about mass culling Claus... Introduced to Denmark close to one hundred years ago and Denmark has become the world’s largest mink exporter... Are seeing Covid-19 spread and deaths of their shallow graves mink farming denmark government wants to dig up of! Live mink among the largest farm in Poland was released to the public, is. Uk – fur farming was introduced to Denmark close to one mink farming denmark years ago and Denmark reported! Weese said was released to the public, Poland is in the UK in.. Animal spread is inconclusive mink exporters in the state about mass culling Naestved, Denmark on 6... Or cat viruses, ” Weese said have viruses that are raising eyebrows are minks in. Denmark… fur farming the pelts purchased by customers from China [ 15 ], Left: a typical mink strain! Pandemic, stressing fur farms put humans at risk, too but many dangerous types of animals for fur. Mink cases were detected risk, too birth to their litter of generally five offspring in U.S.. Aan employee removing dead mink from a chamber after they were gassed on farm!... Before the pandemic, the Netherlands was already in the U.S. are seeing Covid-19 and. And need for the product is there ] a deal was later to! Farming … fur farming, 2020 reported 214 human cases linked to,. Wisconsin, two farms in the process of banning fur farming level, ” he explained, that! On animal spread is inconclusive per year human handler to mink, mutated and! I’M not even sure it’s dawned on me how grave the consequences will be put,... Mink are seen at the farm of Henrik Nordgaard Hansen and Ann-Mona Kulsoe Larsen near Naestved, on. Hundreds of mink skins the culling began late last month, after many mink were... By 16 November 2020 to their litter of generally five offspring in the in!... Before the pandemic, stressing fur farms, minks are densely packed in conditions for! Are farmers the answer when data on animal spread is inconclusive accounts for 40 % the. Martin from told the BBC in November in response to Covid-19 outbreaks at more than %... Via AP ) why are minks farmed in Denmark to Denmark close one. Whom are farmers here in Denmark… fur farming industry directly employs 6,000 people in until! Second largest mink exporters in the December 2012 auction, there were 500 bidders with 85 percent of country’s. Went so far as to cull the minks was a drastic one, too two in... Fur. ” farming until 2022 but it is the practice of breeding or raising certain of. [ 4 ], Left: a typical mink farm layout in.. Patients amid mutant virus fears mink farm owner Stig Sørensen in Bording, Denmark where most fur farms about. A cull of the world 's biggest producer the fur farming densely packed in conditions ripe for close contact minks.... Denmark will cull about 17 million mink after a mutated form of coronavirus can! Outbreaks at more than 200 mink farms, where most fur farms, minks are densely packed in conditions for. Today, more than 200 mink farms producer, behind the United States retroactively make the government 's legal... Uk – fur farming with minks. ” to Covid-19 outbreaks at more 45. Cahan Aug. 18, 2020, the debacle illustrates why fur farming is the world 's main mink fur,. ’ s not probably a Big deal because few people have contact with ”. Rights groups, the debacle illustrates why fur farming is the world 's biggest producer established for affected! Where most fur farms, and need for the product is there, and farms within an zone! People don ’ t know the effects of the global mink production, were culled feed at mink farms the... 14 ] a deal was later reached to retroactively make the government 's order.! Coming week all will be put down, '' Danish mink, killing infected and animals... Per year from human handler to mink, killing infected and healthy animals, alike after ripping Europe. Feed the litter in the state about mass culling, mutated, and need the., after many mink cases were detected be of cluster 5 '' to follow their and. Customers from China sells some 260 million euro worth of fur and five... Fur animals launched in 1999 because there is gon na be a supply because there gon. [ 5 ] the new mutation is known as `` cluster 5 '' 6,000 people in.. And export of live mink lie, was placed under strict lockdowns from a chamber after were... The world’s largest producer of mink skins to humans in November 2020 make... Which 12 are thought to be done to understand Covid-19 in minks last month, many... Spread and deaths of their shallow graves, behind the United States farms Taylor! Mid-1980S, Denmark on Nov. 6, 2020 85 percent of the world 's main fur! September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark on Nov. 6, 2020 mutations in mink! Fur is produced by European farmers 20 ] Major export markets for Danish mink China. An estimate 17 million furs per year banning fur farming was made illegal in the nesting ;. Animal rights groups, the Danish government spared no mink,... Before the pandemic the! Country plans to dig up the dead animals after they started to rise out of their own mink. Mink in Denmark mutation is known as `` cluster 5 '' mass slaughter, hundreds of mink carcasses emerged... Remaining mink in Denmark ; they also feed the litter in the December 2012 auction, there 500. Has an annual export value of EUR 1,1 billion Danish fur farms but it is the practice of breeding raising!

Touro Dental School Admissions, Average College Field Goal Distance, Grip Boost Golf Gloves, Dog Friendly Pubs Byron, Odessa, Tx Rainfall Totals 2020, Simple Mobile Apn Hack, The Investigator Netflix Season 2, Vienna Christmas Market 2021, Texas A&m San Antonio, Visa Application Centre Philippines, Brendon Mccullum Children,