Wisconsin Mink Farm Confirms Coronavirus Outbreak

On October 8, 2020, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) announced it confirmed there are several dead mink at a Taylor County mink farm located in Wisconsin that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in humans. This is the first confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection among Wisconsin's mink population.

Wisconsin is the 2nd US state with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 at a mink farm; Utah confirmed its first cases on August 17, 2020.

There is currently no evidence that animals, including mink, play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to humans. However, the NVSL's statement says '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.'