Emerging Infectious Diseases (Mar 2021)

SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Escaped Mink, Utah, USA

  • Susan A. Shriner,
  • Jeremy W. Ellis,
  • J. Jeffrey Root,
  • Annette Roug,
  • Scott R. Stopak,
  • Gerald W. Wiscomb,
  • Jared R. Zierenberg,
  • Hon S. Ip,
  • Mia K. Torchetti,
  • Thomas J. DeLiberto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2703.204444
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 3
pp. 988 – 990

Abstract

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In August 2020, outbreaks of coronavirus disease were confirmed on mink farms in Utah, USA. We surveyed mammals captured on and around farms for evidence of infection or exposure. Free-ranging mink, presumed domestic escapees, exhibited high antibody titers, suggesting a potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission pathway to native wildlife.

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