COVID-19: Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at a mink farm in France

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed today that a mink farm in Eure-et-Loir has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This detection is part of the biosecurity program implemented by the authorities at the four French mink farms.   Following the first cases detected in the Netherlands last spring, health and biosecurity measures were implemented at French mink farms, including testing since mid-November as part of a scientific program led by ANSES to determine the health status of the four French mink farms with regard to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The stamping out of all 1,000 animals has been ordered, along with the disposal of products derived from these animals. In addition, the results of the virus sequencing analysis will be available by the end of the week to determine whether or not there has been any contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 variant. As for the three other farms in France, one has been found to be free of the virus. The other two are awaiting results sometime next week. Furthermore, “ the test results for workers at all four farms have all come back negative. Enhanced monitoring has been implemented for four individuals linked to the infected farm, and further testing is underway.” To date, COVID-19 infections have been reported at mink farms in several European Union member states: Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, Italy, and Spain. "The ministers reiterate the importance of preventive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19: the goal is to protect the minks from potential contamination by farm staff, but also, as a precaution, to prevent contact between any infected animals and farm staff."