Netherlands: Coronavirus Continues to Challenge Dutch Mink Farms

The number of Dutch mink farms which have been infected by the coronavirus rose to 27 as of July 31, 2020. While the industry is scheduled to cease operations on January 1, 2024 (pursuant to the Fur Animal Husbandry Act), the Dutch Outbreak Management Team has advised that if there are still new infections after mid-August that the Government consider cleaning up Dutch mink farms in a proactive manner (effectively ending production ahead of the 2024 deadline). The Government has said it will review whether an expedited closure of the industry is necessary, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, at year’s end (before mating season begins in 2021). In the meantime, the Government continues to cull mink on infected farms and develop a program through which mink farms can voluntarily terminate their business operations sooner.

Netherlands: Coronavirus Continues to Challenge Dutch Mink Farms