On the Latvian Beveriferma, where the mink is bred, the uncontrolled COVID-19 mutation was revealed, and therefore the entire population of 100 thousand animals can be destroyed. This is reported by the DELFI portal.
It is noted that mutations are developing since the beginning of the spring of 2021, when the SIA Baltic Devon Mink for the first time revealed minks with coronavirus. Farm employees also infected, and therefore scientists based on the obtained virus samples concluded that COVID-19 was repeatedly and easily transferred from man to mink and back.
In the Latvian Center for Studying Biomedicine (BMC), they stated that the transmission of the virus between animals in principle cannot be monitored, and it is not known what new mutations of the virus may appear among them. Among the new mutations were identified and potentially dangerous, which, according to the center, can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Researcher of the center of Monta Briviba even suggested that they could be called “Latvian strain.”
In the company owning the beverserma, they assured that among the minks on the farm there are no increased mortality and symptoms of the disease, and that there is a strict security protocol in relation to employees. However, BMC stated that they do not see another solution, except for the destruction of the population of animals.
The relevant recommendation, notes the publication, was transferred to Latvian Operse to transfer to the government, but there is no specific solution yet. The company’s damage in the event of mink destruction will be measured in millions of euros.
In November 2020, in Denmark, they decided to destroy all minks on beversers to prevent the spread of mutating coronavirus. The mink then found a mutating infection that applies to people and weakens the ability to form an antibody.