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Cabinet tightens measures after new infections of mink companies


Following new infections on mink farms, the Cabinet is tightening hygiene measures to prevent new infections. Research into possible sources of contamination is also being intensified. Minister De Jonge of Health, Welfare and Sport and Minister Schouten of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality write this in a letter to the House of Representatives.

A total of 22 mink farms in North Brabant and Limburg were found to contain mink contaminations with SARS-CoV-2. The cabinet will continue the monitoring investigation in the coming weeks to detect new infections quickly.

Because new contamination has recently been found at mink companies, despite the measures in force, the cabinet and mink sector are tightening hygiene measures. For example, from Friday, July 10, it is mandatory for employees on mink farms to use personal protective equipment, such as non-medical mouth masks and face shields. Compliance with the hygiene protocol is the responsibility of the sector.

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will intensify supervision of compliance with the measures. In addition, the OMT-Z is asked to advise on recent developments. For each infection, the NVWA and GGD conduct a tracing investigation into the possible source of infection. In view of the recent infections, Minister Schouten asked the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to conduct more in-depth research into possible introduction routes. This investigation has just started. The first results are expected in early August.

There are three ways in which the situation on mink farms is monitored, namely: compulsory reporting of mink disease, weekly submission of carcasses and serological screening for the presence of antibodies. At this time, new infections cannot be excluded, so monitoring will continue in the near future.

To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 between mink farms, a national ban on the transportation of mink is currently in place. As a result, the animal welfare of the growing puppies on a number of non-infected farms is at risk due to a lack of space in the stables. Holders of these companies can request an exemption from the NVWA to be allowed to transport their puppies to another, preferably vacant, location under strict conditions.

source: Ministry of LNV, 10/07/2020


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