7.98°C Vancouver

Jul 26, 2021 10:29 PM -

Mink test positive for SARS-CoV-2

Share On

Two mink have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, on a farm under quarantine after it had mink test positive in May 2021.

Five additional mink samples from the same farm have initially tested positive at the B.C. Animal Health Lab, with final results pending from The National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg.

The two positive mink were identified through a co-ordinated wildlife surveillance project led by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, in co-operation with the One Health Working Group. One of the main objectives is to assess the potential for virus transmission to free-ranging animals from an infected premise. In this instance, four mink had escaped their cages and were captured on-farm.

As a result of the latest infections, a provincial health officer's order has also been issued to all mink-farm operators in the province, placing a moratorium on any new mink farms in B.C. and capping existing mink farms at their current numbers. The order is effective immediately. Each farm is required to report the total number of mink, both breeding stock and non-breeding mink, to the provincial health officer and the medical health officer in their health authority.

The Province is conducting a review of its policies and regulations with respect to fur farms, while ensuring the recommended mitigation measures are in place and enforced to protect both public and animal health.

Latest news

sps-launches-body-worn-camera-pilot
CanadaOct 14, 2025

SPS Launches Body-Worn Camera Pilot

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is launching a six-month body-worn camera pilot project this fall. Beginning October 15, 2025, 20 SPS Road Safety Section officers will be wearing and testing the Axon Body 4 body-worn cameras (BWCs) for the duration of the pilot project. In 2021, SPS began researching and developing a BWC program. This process included completing a privacy impact assessment, ensuring alignment with provincial policing standards, conducting two community consultations, and developing guidelines for usage. In October 2024, the Surrey Police Board approved the purchase of 20 BWCs in
grammy-award-winning-singer-dangelo-passed-away-at-the-age-of-51
WorldOct 14, 2025

Grammy Award winning singer D'Angelo passed away at the age of 51

The famous Grammy Award-winning artist, D'Angelo, passed away at the age of 51. His death left the entire industry in shock. The family confirmed his death on October 14, 2025. His real name was Michael D’Angelo Archer. He is survived by three children. His family shared an official statement on his demise and revealed how his passing has left a big void.
AlbertaOct 14, 2025

Alberta teachers, province set to meet for first time since strike began last week

The union representing Alberta teachers and the provincial government's bargaining committee are set to meet today for the first time since a provincewide strike began Oct. 6. The strike, entering its sixth day, has kept some 740,000 students across 2,500 schools out of classrooms. Finance Minister Nate Horner said last week the province had received a new proposal from the Alberta Teachers' Association, which represents the 51,000 teachers. The last offer on the table, overwhelmingly rejected in a vote by teachers late last month, included a 12 per cent pay raise over four years and a promi
grizzly-bear-attacks-pair-of-hikers-near-prince-george-b-c
BCOct 14, 2025

Grizzly bear attacks pair of hikers near Prince George, B.C.

British Columbia's Conservation Officer Service says trails in the McGregor Mountain area, northeast of Prince George, will be closing after two hikers were attacked by a grizzly bear. It says in a post to social media that the attack happened on Saturday. The service says its so-called Problem Animal Team Specialists are investigating the bear attack and "in an abundance of caution" it recommends people cancel any hikes planned in the Pass Lake area. It says the area will be closed until the investigation concludes, but did not include any additional details about the status of the hikers and
anand-makes-canadas-first-minister-visit-to-india-in-2-years-after-trade-heads-talk
CanadaOct 14, 2025

Anand makes Canada's first minister visit to India in 2 years after trade heads talk

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is in India, marking the first visit by a Canadian cabinet minister after two years of diplomatic strain. Anand will address media this morning after meeting with her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi and with plans to meet business leaders in Mumbai. On Monday Anand met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying in a statement the meeting was about building on the momentum gained earlier this summer when Modi was visiting Canada at the G7 summit and met Prime Minister Mark Carney. Anand also released a joint statement Monday wi

Related News