The province’s Chief Veterinary Officer is maintaining frequent communication with the NL Fur Breeders Association concerning COVID-19 after a mutation of the virus in Denmark was linked back to mink farming.

The provincial government is watching recent infections on mink farms in Europe and the US very closely.

Mink are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. World Health officials say the mutated strain of the virus in Denmark has been linked to fur farms, prompting officials in that country to order the cull of some 17-million farmed mink.

The provincial government says fur farmers here have been asked to report any respiratory signs in mink for disease investigation and if testing is warranted, the chief veterinary officer will be notified.

Mink producers are also following public health guidelines including the wearing of face masks, frequent handwashing and physical distancing.