Wisconsin Mink Test Positive for Coronavirus

Dead mink on a Wisconsin mink farm have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the infection Thursday, the first among Wisconsin’s mink population. All animals are now quarantined on the farm, meaning no animals or animal products may leave the premise. The response includes appropriate carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfecting the animal areas, and protecting human and animal health. Wisconsin is the second state with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 at a mink farm. Utah confirmed its first cases on August 17. There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to humans. However, people infected with the virus can spread it to mink and other animals. People suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are encouraged to avoid contact with pets and other animals while they are completing their home isolation to protect the animals from infection.