‘End fur farming in the Netherlands, before one more mink or worker picks up this deadly virus.’
In a letter addressing the parliament, the Dutch Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten admitted that a farmer “likely” contracted coronavirus from an infected mink.
According to Reuters, Schouten accepted that her office’s initial assessment of humans not getting infected by animals was wrong and a worker had tested positive for a strain of COVID-19 similar to that found in the mink on the farm.
These new research results have a major impact on the owners, families and employees of mink companies as well as on the local communities,” she wrote in the letter.
“I am therefore in close contact with all these parties involved.”
Last month, minks on two fur farms in the Netherlands were found to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a variant of coronavirus responsible for respiratory illness Covid-19.
Now with an animal- human transmission case plausible, authorities have increased measures to contain the virus from spreading including screening of all mink farms in the Netherlands, and mandatory protective clothing for all workers.
Netherlands has been among the biggest fur farming nations in the world behind Denmark and China. In 2016, the country had some 160 fur farms producing five million pelts a year. However, sustained pressure from animal right organizations led the Dutch government to ban the industry in 2013 with existing farms granted a deadline till 2024 to shut their operations.
Ban fur farms
Reports of minks contracting the virus and potentially transmitting it to humans have further renewed calls for banning fur farming in the Netherlands and across the world.
“Filthy fur farms packed with sick, stressed, and injured minks are breeding grounds for disease,” said Mimi Bekhechi, PETA director of international programs.
“In the face of a global crisis stemming from the wildlife trade, the Netherlands shouldn’t wait another four years to shut down its last remaining fur farms – it must take action now.”
In a separate statement she added: “Now coronavirus is spreading through fur farms, the government should not wait any longer to close them down.”
“Peta is calling on minister Schouten to end fur farming in the Netherlands, before one more mink or worker picks up this deadly virus.”
Share this story to reveal the dangers of breeding minks for commercial use.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Bristol crowned most vegan-friendly city in the UK
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 13th January 2021
The city ranked just above London, Edinburgh, and Belfast as one of the top cities for vegans. Bristol has earned the top spot of being the most vegan-friendly city in the UK, according to new research. With over 1 million Brits now taking up a plant-based lifestyle – with many inspired by Veganuary- the study …
Lewis Hamilton awarded knighthood in UK’s New Year Honours list
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 1st January 2021
“All of us congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.” Lewis Hamilton has added another feather to his cap after he was knighted in the UK’s New Year Honours List, officially declared on Wednesday evening. The honour, which is in recognition of …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …