Mink breeders resign themselves to culls: “If you have to, you have to do it.” Inland

It is not yet clear when the clean-ups will start. These are companies in Deurne, Laarbeek, Gemert-Bakel and Sint Anthonis. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s going to happen soon. Many animals are infected and we have almost certainly contracted it through the animals. And then people just go above animals. My wife and I have already fallen ill. I have two daughters who work in healthcare. What did you think the impact of that is? ”

Kuijpers has had his company for forty years. “I am proud of that, despite all opposition. We have to stop in 2023 anyway, it was decided. But you are forced to give up your life’s work, but you have not heard anything about compensation for years. And now with that coronavirus, which we didn’t ask for, it would certainly be reasonable that we, as well as other companies, be supported. The sector is already under heavy pressure, and this is also cutting into it. We take a reasonable position, also see that public health is threatened, but then we are reasonably back. Other sectors are also compensated. ”

“Life work”

Mink breeder Mark Bontrup from Sint Anthonis also resigns himself to a cull. “Everything for public health, but it is still your life’s work,” he says. “If you have to, you have to. But I am very suspicious of politics. This happens automatically when you work in this sector. I would think it makes sense if we are compensated, but I still have to see that. I only believe it when the money is in my account. If you have a mink farm, there is still a curse on you from politics. We are talking here about 8800 animals. That really cuts it in. Yet we are also reasonable people who put public health first. ”

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