November 05, 2020

Anna Murray 

Around the world, health experts expect an effective vaccine to hinder the current spread of COVID-19. However, another health concern related to this virus might trigger a new anxiety.

A mink farm in Denmark had cases of mink mutation related to COVID-19. The Denmark government decided to slaughter more than 15 million of animals to prevent the possible mutation moving from mink to human beings. This mutation might pose a risk to the future COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, already confirmed 12 people in Jutland region in northern Denmark had been infected by this new strain. Due to this new development, the local government will impose a stricter lockdown measures to prevent the potential spread, for example, the shutdown of bars and restaurants and the limitation between residents. 

Magnus Heunicke, Health Minister of Denmark, said the mutation is a threat to hinder the development of an effective vaccine. The World Health Organization has already received the report of mutation about genetic changes in virus from Denmark. 

The mutation from minks is a terrible issue in the mink industry. After previous pandemic, there were around 1.2 million minks were killed at 400 farms. Tage Pedersen, the president of the Danish mink breeders’ association, stated no one wanted to have this pandemic but the continuous cull policy would be a tragedy to end this industry.

Photo:Webshot.