The Dutch government has ordered the permanent closure of all mink farms 2021 and then in order to prevent the sector version from evolving into a nest of infections with Covid-19, already located in more than 40 such farms.
The complete cessation of mink breeding, of small mammals bred for their fur which is in demand in the luxury goods industry, was originally intended for 2024, following a decision of the highest judicial authority of the Netherlands 2016.
But growing number of new coronavirus infections has prompted the government to speed up the process.
Over 1 million. mink have been killed
More than a million mink have been killed in the Netherlands since the pandemic began in farms in April..
Dutch authorities reported in May that two farm workers were most likely infected with Covid-19 during contact with small mammals..
These two cases may be the "first known cases of transmission" of the new coronavirus from animal to human, according to the World Health Organization (WHERE).
"Despite the limited risk to public health at present, it is advisable to stop the transmission of the virus inside the mink farms ", said today the Ministry of Agriculture.
"There is danger, long term, this can lead to infections - through employees- people outside the farms, added in a statement.
The government released 180 million to compensate mink breeders.
RES
