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SARS-CoV-2 wildlife surveillance surrounding mink farms in British Columbia, Canada.

SARS-CoV-2 wildlife surveillance surrounding mink farms in British Columbia, Canada.

Authors :
Strang, Talia
Flockhart, Logan
Thacker, Caeley
Schwantje, Helen
Soos, Catherine
Dibernardo, Antonia
Lindsay, L. Robbin
Toledo, Nikki
Beauclerc, Kaela
Fraser, Erin
Prystajecky, Natalie
Himsworth, Chelsea
Source :
Canada Communicable Disease Report; Jun2022, Vol. 48 Issue 6, p252-260, 9p
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect many wild and domestic animal species. Farmed American mink (Neovison vison) are particularly susceptible to infection. Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in farmed mink on three mink farms in British Columbia (BC), Canada between December 2020 and May 2021. In BC, mink farm density and proximity to wildlife habitats increase transmission risks from infected farmed mink. The objective of this study is to investigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spreading to and from wildlife in the area surrounding infected mink farms in BC, Canada, as well as to compare the effectiveness of physical and camera trapping surveillance methodologies. Methods: A combination of physical and camera trapping was used on and around three BC mink farms with active SARS-CoV-2 infections between January 22, 2021, and July 10, 2021. Samples from trapped animals, including escaped farmed mink, were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Camera images from one mink farm were reviewed to determine species and proximity to the mink barn. Results: Seventy-one animals of nine species were captured and sampled. Three captured mink tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction and serology; the remaining samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Genotyping of the three positive mink indicated these were domestic (vs. wild) mink. A total of 440 animals of 16 species were photographed at the one farm where cameras were deployed. Conclusion: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in escaped farmed mink is concerning and demonstrates the potential for transmission from farmed mink to wildlife, particularly given the observation of wildlife known to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 near infected mink farms. Combined use of physical and camera trapping contributed to the breadth of the results and is strongly recommended for future surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
SARS-CoV-2
AMERICAN mink

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
11884169
Volume :
48
Issue :
6
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Canada Communicable Disease Report
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
157720318