Thousands of minks have died from Covid-19 infections, all of them in Utah. Between 7000 and 8000 adult minks have died. Utah is the largest U.S. producer of mink hides. Denmark, which produces 40% of the world mink pelts, is also seeing its minks dying of Covid-19.
It appears that the minks caught the virus from infected workers, although in Denmark authorities believe that the minks themselves can infect humans.
But not to worry. The dead minks’ pelts can still be used after they are processed to remove any traces of the virus.
I am often annoyed by the antics of PETA, but in the case of minks, I am sympathetic to that organization. Do we really need to raise minks for their fur?
Netherlands has decided we don’t. That country is phasing out all mink farms by 2021.
Information for this post is from JoNel Aleccia, “Thousands of Minks Dead in Covid-19 Outbreaks on Farms,” Lancaster Farming, (Oct. 17, 2020), p. B-8.
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