Surveillance and control of SARS-CoV-2 in mustelids: An evolutionary perspective

Diaz, AV; Walker, M; Webster, JP

Abstract

The relevance of mustelids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become increasingly evident. Alongside experimental demonstration of airborne transmission among ferrets, the major animal model for human respiratory diseases, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within- and/or between-commercial mink farms has occurred and continues to occur. The number of mink reared for the luxury fur trade is approximately 60.5 million, across 36 mustelid-farming countries. By July 2021, SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have been reported in 12 of these countries, at 412 European and 20 North American mink farms. Reverse zoonotic transmission events (from humans to mink) have introduced the virus to farms with subsequent extensive mink-to-mink transmission as well as further zoonotic (mink-to-human) transmission events generating cases among both farm workers and the broader community. Overcrowded housing conditions inherent within intensive mink farms, often combined with poor sanitation and welfare, both guarantee spread of SARS-CoV-2 and facilitate opportunities for viral variants, thereby effectively representing biotic hubs for viral transmission and evolution of virulence. Adequate preventative, surveillance and control measures within the mink industry are imperative both for the control of the current global pandemic and to mitigate against future outbreaks.

Citation

Diaz, A., Walker, M., & Webster, J. (2021). Surveillance and control of SARS-CoV-2 in mustelids: An evolutionary perspective. Evolutionary Applications, https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13310

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 29, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 24, 2021
• Publication Date: Oct 24, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 27, 2022
• Print ISSN: 1752-4563
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13310
• Keywords: biotic hub; evolution of virulence; farmed mink; one health; reverse zoonoses; SARS-CoV-2; DISEASE VIRUS; MINK; VIRULENCE; TRANSMISSION; CHINA; MODEL
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/5WGJVHSCW4W4TVUIPDNW?target=10.1111/eva.13310