| Autor: |
Wolters WJ; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands., de Rooij MMT; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands., Molenaar RJ; Royal GD, 7418 EZ Deventer, The Netherlands., de Rond J; Royal GD, 7418 EZ Deventer, The Netherlands., Vernooij JCM; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands., Meijer PA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.; Royal GD, 7418 EZ Deventer, The Netherlands., Oude Munnink BB; Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands., Sikkema RS; Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands., van der Spek AN; Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), 3511 GG Utrecht, The Netherlands., Spierenburg MAH; Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), 3511 GG Utrecht, The Netherlands., Hakze-van der Honing RW; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands., van der Poel WHM; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands., Koopmans MPG; Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands., Stegeman JA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands., Smit LAM; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands., Augustijn-Schretlen M; Royal GD, 7418 EZ Deventer, The Netherlands., Velkers FC; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands. |
| Abstrakt: |
SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks on 69 Dutch mink farms in 2020 were studied to identify risk factors for virus introduction and transmission and to improve surveillance and containment measures. Clinical signs, laboratory test results, and epidemiological aspects were investigated, such as the date and reason of suspicion, housing, farm size and distances, human contact structure, biosecurity measures, and presence of wildlife, pets, pests, and manure management. On seven farms, extensive random sampling was performed, and age, coat color, sex, and clinical signs were recorded. Mild to severe respiratory signs and general diseases such as apathy, reduced feed intake, and increased mortality were detected on 62/69 farms. Throat swabs were more likely to result in virus detection than rectal swabs. Clinical signs differed between virus clusters and were more severe for dark-colored mink, males, and animals infected later during the year. Geographical clustering was found for one virus cluster. Shared personnel could explain some cases, but other transmission routes explaining farm-to-farm spread were not elucidated. An early warning surveillance system, strict biosecurity measures, and a (temporary) ban on mink farming and vaccinating animals and humans can contribute to reducing the risks of the virus spreading and acquisition of potential mutations relevant to human and animal health. |
