An investigation has started into the possible spread of the coronavirus in pig farming. Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten said this on Wednesday afternoon during a debate about infected mink farms.
According to her, there is no direct reason to believe that the pathogen can be spread to or by pigs. She just wants to err on the side of caution. For this reason, studies on the transmission of COVID-19 by dogs or cats have already begun.
–
It will take some time before the result is known. No evidence of contamination from feral cats or farm cats has yet been found, Schouten said. Rabbits are also susceptible to the virus, but this has not been established.
–
‘Extra incentive’
Minister Schouten is debating with the House of Representatives on Wednesday about the clearing of mink farms, an early stopping arrangement for breeders whose companies are infected and the breeding ban in 2024. Schouten repeated that it is necessary to empty infected farms. mink pups create a reservoir of viruses, which can be transferred for a long time. After all, this could also make people sick. The minister also reported that there is a chance that the transport ban for mink manure will remain in force for months. That depends on the risk of infection.
–
Schouten also said that she and her Public Health colleague, Hugo de Jonge, are seriously looking into an arrangement to have duped mink owners put an end to their business earlier than 2024. “As an extra incentive,” says Schouten, “but it is quite close in itself.” Bringing forward the moment to definitively strike the mink industry is still a bridge too far. A majority of the Chamber thinks differently, if necessary on a voluntary basis.
–
De Jonge stated in his answer to parliamentary questions that the ‘minor danger to public health’ was reason to proceed with a cull. Preventive clearance went too far for him and Schouten.
– .
