On another three mink farms, minks are infected with the corona virus. A fourth company is under further investigation, because it seems that the virus has also struck there. The cabinet announced this on Monday.
The new cases came to light during mandatory screening. That screening was recently imposed by the minister when the virus spread from a mink to a human. The virus has now been detected at six Brabant mink farms, at eight locations. These are companies in Gemert-Bakel, Laarbeek, Deurne and Sint Anthonis, in the east of the province. It is also possible on a farm in Venray in Limburg.
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The Cabinet is asking the experts of the Outbreak Management Team, which advises the Cabinet on combating the corona epidemic, as the virus appears to be spreading further among minks. Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health) and his colleague Carola Schouten (Agriculture) do not exclude that animals must be culled, they write to the House of Representatives. W.
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At least two caregivers
Concerns about the outbreak among the animals kept for their fur are mounting. The virus first appeared on mink farms in late April. It has also passed from the animals to at least two caregivers.
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But that danger is not great outside the house, according to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. That conclusion remains even after the new cases, De Jonge and Schouten write.
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However, they previously expressed their fear that the virus could continue to circulate among minks, even when the epidemic in humans has died out. Then it could remain lurking to infect people again. If there are such ‘reservoirs’, ‘you can think of holds’, Schouten said earlier.
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New measures possible on Wednesday
The OMT is now examining how great this danger is. On Wednesday, when the cabinet’s corona crisis team meets again, it can ‘take additional measures’ with the OMT advice in hand if necessary. Public health always comes first, underline De Jonge and Schouten.
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There are also increasing voices, including in the House of Representatives, to clear the animals and close the mink farms. Some mink farmers are also in favor of that. In any case, their business would be banned from 2024.
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