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The Dutch government believes a mink might have infected a human with the coronavirus, the government said in a statement.

“On the basis of new research results from the ongoing research into Covid-19 infections at mink farms, it is plausible that an infection took place from mink to human. It also appears from this research that minks can have Covid-19 without displaying symptoms,” the Dutch government said on May 19.

The authorities said that testing would be expanded to include “all mink farms in the Netherlands and will become mandatory.” Mink on a fur farm in the Netherlands tested positive for coronavirus a few weeks prior to this announcement.

The government is also concerned that cats might be spreading the virus between the animals and between farms. Three of 11 cats tested at a mink farm tested positive for COVID-19. And the government advised farmers to keep cats on site, “In the course of this investigation, it is advised that infected mink farms ensure that cats cannot enter or leave the farm premises.”

Fur farms are notoriously dangerous and inhumane operations. Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK, which leads the #FurFreeBritain campaign for a UK fur sales ban said in an emailed statement on the positive coronavirus tests found in minks a few weeks ago, “Fur factory farms are breeding grounds for infectious diseases, confining thousands of wild animals in unsanitary, crowded and stressful conditions, with precious little veterinary care. In addition to the animal suffering that’s an unavoidable fact of the fur trade, the potential for zoonotic disease spread is another compelling reason for all fashion companies to go fur-free, and for governments to take action to shut down this dirty trade. One of the lessons we must learn from COVID-19 is that we cannot carry on pushing animals to the limit of their endurance without serious consequences for both animal and human health. We urge the Netherlands and other countries in the process of phasing out fur farming to speed up their industry closures, and countries yet to commit to bans, including China and Finland, to do so now.”Humane Society International United Kingdom(HSI) is worried that the fur trade model of intensive farming creates conditions that increase and facilitate the spread of diseases like the coronavirus. And yet another reason why these farms should be closed.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

This is a good time to reconsider our intake of animal products to stay healthy. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our latest coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

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