Almost two weeks ago, the first case of corona infection among minks in Sweden was discovered on a mink farm in Sölvesborg.

At that time, infection was found among minks and staff.

Now more farms in the area have been affected, the Swedish Board of Agriculture announces.

Corona infection has been found on another nine mink herds in Sölvesborg.

- That nearby crews are affected is not surprising, according to experience from the Netherlands and Denmark.

We also know that the risk of further falls in the area is great.

The majority of the minks kept for fur production will be killed in November to be furred, says Håkan Henrikson, chief veterinarian at the Swedish Board of Agriculture, in a press release.

Felling usually takes place in November, and the fact that 80 percent of the minks are killed now can be positive to stop the spread of infection.

- This means a large reduction of animals, which means that there will be fewer animals that are susceptible to the infection, says Håkan Henrikson to SVT Nyheter Blekinge.

Restrictions for farmers

The Swedish Board of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of infection control routines on mink farms and that people with suspected or established covid-19 should avoid contact with the animals.

Mink breeders should also pay extra attention to whether the animals become ill and contact a veterinarian.

- We have coated all mink herds in Sweden, even those that are not infected, with restrictions today, to protect further minks from being infected, says Håkan Henrikson.

Danish minks killed

On Wednesday, the news came that all minks in Denmark will be killed after corona infection has been discovered on Danish mink farms.

The reason is that a mutated version of the virus has been found among the Danish minks, which is feared to threaten a vaccine.

According to Håkan Henrikson, the mutated virus has not been found in Sweden.

The coronavirus was found in mink in Sweden at the end of October.

This is how Jörgen Martinsson, CEO of Svensk Mink, commented on the message:

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Jörgen Martinsson is CEO of the industry organization Svensk Mink.

Photo: SVT