In Denmark, over a million minks are slaughtered. The reason: A mutated form of the coronavirus was discovered in the rodents.
What do real fur and the coronavirus have in common? Apparently a lot, as Denmark, the world's largest mink fur exporter, shows: Because there have been several corona outbreaks on mink farms across the country, millions of animals now have to be emergency slaughtered. The same thing has already happened in the Netherlands, where fur farming will even be stopped until March 1, 2021.
Do minks spread mutated form of the coronavirus?
According to the Danish government, the drastic measures are necessary because the health authorities have detected a mutated form of the corona virus in 200 people who have contracted mink. The rodent is suspected of transmitting the virus to humans, which could jeopardize the effectiveness of a potential vaccine, says Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, 42. If the mutated viruses continue to spread among humans, it could have devastating consequences for the pandemic .
Mutation could jeopardize vaccine against corona
More detailed information about the mutation is not yet known, and how dangerous it actually is is difficult for scientists to assess. One thing is certain, however: Viruses mutate again and again, but not every genetic mutation makes a virus more dangerous. It may well be that the genes change, but not the properties of the virus.
And: The human body defends itself against the coronavirus with antibodies and certain cells. So if a future vaccine were to produce antibodies that didn't work particularly well against a mutated coronavirus, the vaccination could still stimulate the response of certain immune cells to protect against a severe course of Covid-19.
Denmark: Over a million minks are killed
Nevertheless, millions of minks are now being killed in Denmark, the risk of a virus change that makes the coronavirus more dangerous is too great. Because a virus that can spread more easily and make you seriously ill or even fatal is of course devastating – especially when the virus jumps back and forth between humans and animals.
Scientists around the world are now eagerly awaiting more detailed information from the Danish health authorities about the modified virus.
We can only hope that the real fur business will soon come to an end and that no mink will have to die because of the coronavirus – and certainly not because of a coat.
Sources used: daily News