Jumping back and forth: anthropozoonotic and zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on mink farms

  1. Bas B. Oude Munnink
  2. Reina S. Sikkema
  3. David F. Nieuwenhuijse
  4. Robert Jan Molenaar
  5. Emmanuelle Munger
  6. Richard Molenkamp
  7. Arco van der Spek
  8. Paulin Tolsma
  9. Ariene Rietveld
  10. Miranda Brouwer
  11. Noortje Bouwmeester-Vincken
  12. Frank Harders
  13. Renate Hakze-van der Honing
  14. Marjolein C.A. Wegdam-Blans
  15. Ruth J. Bouwstra
  16. Corine GeurtsvanKessel
  17. Annemiek A. van der Eijk
  18. Francisca C. Velkers
  19. Lidwien A.M. Smit
  20. Arjan Stegeman
  21. Wim H.M. van der Poel
  22. Marion P.G. Koopmans
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Abstract

The zoonotic origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still unknown. Animal experiments have shown that non-human primates, cats, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits and bats can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in felids, mink and dogs in the field. Here, we describe an in-depth investigation of outbreaks on 16 mink farms and humans living or working on these farms, using whole genome sequencing. We conclude that the virus was initially introduced from humans and has evolved, most likely reflecting widespread circulation among mink in the beginning of the infection period several weeks prior to detection. At the moment, despite enhanced biosecurity, early warning surveillance and immediate culling of infected farms, there is ongoing transmission between mink farms with three big transmission clusters with unknown modes of transmission. We also describe the first animal to human transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 in mink farms.

One sentence summary

SARS-CoV-2 transmission on mink farms.

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