Preliminary report of an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in mink and mink farmers associated with community spread, Denmark, June to November 2020

• DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.5.210009
• Publication Date: 2021-02-05T11:38:24Z
• Authors: Helle Daugaard La...; Jannik Fonager; Frederikke Kriste...; Tine Dalby; Guido Benedetti; Brian Kristensen; Tinna Ravnholt Urth; Morten Rasmussen; Ria Lassaunière; Thomas Bruun Rasm...; Bertel Strandbygaard; Louise Lohse; Manon Chaine; Karina Lauenborg ...; Ann-Sofie Nicole ...; Sarah Kristine Nø...; Ute Wolff Sönksen; Anette Ella Boklund; Anne Sofie Hammer; Graham J. Belsham; Tyra Grove Krause; Sten Mortensen; Anette Bøtner; Anders Fomsgaard; Kåre Mølbak
• Keywords: Culling; Danish; Pandemic; American mink

In June-November 2020, SARS-CoV-2-infected mink were detected in 290 of 1,147 Danish farms. North Denmark Region, 30% (324/1,092) people found connected to farms tested SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive and approximately 27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25-30) SARS-CoV-2-strains from humans the community mink-associated. Measures proved insufficient mitigate spread. On 4 November, government ordered culling all mink. Farmed constitute a potential virus reservoir challenging pandemic control.