First US cases of coronavirus in mink found at two Utah farms



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SALT LAKE CITY – The National Veterinary Service Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture announced the country’s first cases of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) found in mink, and all five cases were found in two Utah mink farms.

The Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performed autopsies on several dead mink from both farms after receiving reports that mink deaths were unusually high. The two farms have been completely quarantined, according to a press release from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

Although these cases are the first in the United States, the Netherlands has also confirmed cases of coronavirus in mink.

The two mink farms, which have not been identified, have also reported cases of COVID-19 among their staff members.

“However, there is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in transmitting the virus to humans. At present, due to limited information and research, the risk that animals transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans is considered low, “according to the statement

According to the USDA, coronavirus has also been detected in a tiger, lion, several dogs, a few cats and, now, mink in the United States. Click here for more details on coronavirus cases detected in animals in the United States.



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