Every two years, member nations of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) convene to discuss matters under the Commissions charter. This year is Australia's turn to host the 70th meeting of the Commission (IWC70) in Hobart, Tasmania between 27th September and 2nd October. This timing could provide a front row seat...
Since April 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 in American mink was confirmed on a fur farm in the Netherlands, this zoonotic disease has continued to rage throughout farmed mink herds in various EU Member States as well as in the United States and Canada.
In some countries, this has led to the preventative culling of millions of animals; while, in others, the government authorities have only required the implementation of biosecurity measures to try to prevent further transmission
This paper charts the spread of COVID-19 in mink. It explores the relationship between the
intensive confinement of wild animals for fur production and the risk of zoonotic disease. Given
the animal suffering and public health risks posed by this non-essential industry, Humane Society International strongly advocates a permanent end to breeding, keeping and killing animals for the purposes of fur production.
