This is quite worrying if it pans out the way some might think it will...
Quote:
SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark
Disease Outbreak News
6 November 2020
Since June 2020, 214 human cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Denmark with SARS-CoV-2 variants associated with farmed minks, including 12 cases with a unique variant, reported on 5 November. All 12 cases were identified in September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark. The cases ranged in age from 7 to 79 years, and eight had a link to the mink farming industry and four cases were from the local community.
Initial observations suggest that the clinical presentation, severity and transmission among those infected are similar to that of other circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses. However, this variant, referred to as the "cluster 5" variant, had a combination of mutations, or changes that have not been previously observed. The implications of the identified changes in this variant are not yet well understood. Preliminary findings indicate that this particular mink-associated variant identified in both minks and the 12 human cases has moderately decreased sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Further scientific and laboratory-based studies are required to verify preliminary findings reported and to understand any potential implications of this finding in terms of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines in development. In the meantime, actions are being taken by Danish authorities to limit the further spread of this variant of the virus among mink and human populations.
Source and more:
https://www.who.int/csr/don/06-november-2020-mink-associated-sars-cov2-denmark/en/Meanwhile the UK has banned visitors from Denmark:
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Coronavirus: UK bans Denmark visitors over mink Covid-19 fears
The UK has imposed a ban on non-UK citizens coming from Denmark amid concerns over a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans.
UK citizens can return from Denmark - but will have to isolate along with all members of their household for 14 days.
Cabin crew are also no longer exempt from the rules, which Ryanair described as a "bizarre and baseless" move.
The transport secretary announced the changes less than two hours before they took effect on Saturday.
Writing on Twitter, Grant Shapps said: "This decision to act quickly follows on from health authorities in Denmark reporting widespread outbreaks of coronavirus in mink farms. Keeping the UK public safe remains our top priority.
Source and more:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54851042Aside from the obvious, the above begs the question why any country still farms mink for fur in the first place, i thought the fur trade was all but written into history... Denmark allegedly has 17 MILLION mink that it's now culling!!