Mink infected with Omicron were consistently PCR-positive from day 3 onwards, indicating mink-to-mink transmission. Infectious virus was detected in cell culture even before it was detected by PCR.
This study shows that mink can be infected by Omicron and, crucially, efficiently transmit the virus to other mink. Despite the reports of lower virulence of Omicron, mink experience clinical disease and nasal and pulmonary microscopic lesions that closely resemble infection with previously reported variants in mink and humans.
Danish farmers turn their backs on mink after Covid mutation cull. Just a handful of mink breeders in Denmark express an interest in re-entering fur industry, even if the current ban is lifted in 2023.
