Guidance to Prevent 

Respiratory Viruses like 

SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza 

on Mink Farms

August 2023
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This guidance was developed collaboratively by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state 

animal and public health partners using a One Health approach. This document provides information 

about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and influenza (flu) viruses in people and animals as 

well as guidance for preventing and controlling these viruses on mink farms. The strategies outlined may 

be used by mink producers, private veterinarians in the mink industry, and public and animal health 

officials.

Background about Mink

Mink are carnivorous (meat-eating) mammals of the genus Neogale, which belongs to the family 

Mustelidae. The Mustelidae family also includes ferrets, otters, martens, badgers, and many other small 

mammals. American mink, also known as Neogale vison (formerly Neovison vison), are native to North 

America but have been introduced to parts of Europe, where they are considered an invasive species.

Mink are farmed for their fur and other products in many countries, including the United States.

Mink and SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported in farmed mink, other animals, and people on mink farms by

multiple countries. In the United States, respiratory disease among mink and increases in mink deaths 

were seen on most mink farms confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some mink also appeared healthy

despite testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infected workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink on the 

farms. Once the virus is introduced on a farm, it can spread rapidly between mink, as well as from mink 

to other animals (domestic and wild) on or near the farm, and potentially from mink to people. In late 

2020, animals associated with mink farms were found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, including

resident dogs and cats, a small number of escaped farmed mink, and one wild mink trapped near a farm 

in Utah.

Risk of Mink Spreading SARS-CoV-2 to People

Currently, there is no evidence that mink play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people. 

However, there is a possibility of mink spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people and other animals on mink 

farms. Mink-to-human spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in the Netherlands, Denmark, and 

Poland. An investigation on one farm in the United States suggested mink-to-human transmission was 

possible, but the link could not be confirmed. These results highlight the importance of routinely 

studying SARS-CoV-2 in susceptible animal populations, like farmed mink, as well as in people.

See CDC’s website for general information on preventing COVID-19 in humans.

Influenza (Flu) Viruses Affecting Birds and Mammals Including Mink

Avian influenza (AI), or bird flu, is caused by an influenza type A virus that infects poultry (such as 

chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds (especially 

waterfowl). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains are extremely infectious to domestic 

poultry, often fatal to chickens and turkeys, and can spread rapidly from flock-to-flock. Low 

pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus strains occur naturally in wild waterfowl and shorebirds 

without causing illness. LPAI can infect domestic poultry, causing little or no signs of illness.
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Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic 

poultry, some viruses can spread to other animals, including domestic animals like cats, dogs, farmed 

animals like poultry, wild mammals, and animals in human care, including seals, tigers, and leopards.

Since October 2021, there have been a number of reported bird flu infections in wild mammals,

including sea lions and an otter in Chile, a red fox in France, and multiple species in Canada and the 

United States. See the USDA APHIS page for more information about 2022-2023 Detections of Highly 

Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals.

Mink and Flu

In October 2022, HPAI A(H5N1) virus caused infections and deaths among mink on a farm in Spain. The 

source of the bird flu outbreak was not identified, but mink may have been exposed to infected wild 

waterfowl. Investigators report that mink-to-mink transmission of the virus may have occurred. More 

information is available on CDC’s Ask the Expert webpage.

Infections with influenza A viruses, including strains that originated in birds and swine, have been 

previously reported in mink. Since the early 1980’s, several influenza A virus subtypes, such as 

A(H10N4), A(H3N2), swH3N2/pH1N1 reassortant, A(H1N2) and A(H9N2), have been shown to spread in 

mink. During October of 1984, an outbreak of LPAI H10N4 occurred at 33 mink farms in the coastal 

region of South Sweden. The outbreak was associated with widespread illness among 100,000 mink, 

including 3,000 deaths. In 2019, influenza A virus infections were reported in mink kits at a Utah mink 

farm. The source of the flu infections was not established, but it is believed the mink became infected 

through exposure to sick people.

Risk of Mink Spreading Flu Viruses to People

The detection of the current predominant A(H5N1) HPAI virus in mammals, including farmed mink, does 

not change the human health risk for the general public, which CDC considers to be low. Since the 

October 2022 report of HPAI A(H5N1) virus in farmed mink, CDC, USDA, and other partner agencies 

studied the A(H5N1) viruses from farmed mink in Spain and have not found any indications that would 

point to the virus having increased ability to infect people. A(H5N1) viruses cannot easily infect the 

human upper respiratory tract. Mink have two different kinds of cell receptors in their respiratory tracts, 

one which allows for easier infection with A(H5N1) viruses than in people. As a result, mink are more 

susceptible to infection with A(H5N1) viruses than people; this also means that limited mink-to-mink 

spread of A(H5N1) virus can occur, especially in an environment where animals have close contact.

See CDC’s website for general information on preventing flu as a backyard poultry owner.

Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Introducing Respiratory Viruses 

to Farmed Mink

Mink can be infected with respiratory viruses through close contact with infected people, other mink, or 

other infected animals, including wildlife. The potential source of a respiratory virus and the likely 

transmission pathway can depend on many factors. While mink are most likely to be exposed to SARSCoV-2 by an infected person, depending on the type of flu virus, they could be exposed by an infected 

person, an infected animal, or a contaminated surface. Mink can also be infected with flu viruses by 

eating contaminated feed from uncooked poultry and pork. Nonetheless, these husbandry and 

biosecurity practices are effective at reducing the risk of exposing mink to a range of respiratory viruses.
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• Do not use uncooked poultry or pork to feed mink.

• Cook feed to kill pathogens potentially harmful to mink and people.

• Remove spilled or uneaten feed right away, and make sure feed storage units are secure and free of 

holes. Keep a broom and lidded garbage container nearby and frequently inspect and clean up 

spilled feed. Even a tiny amount of feed is a meal for a wild bird or rodent.

• Use a closed system for watering source. Closed watering systems are not open to the environment 

and deliver water directly to individual cages. Recirculating water systems should incorporate some 

type of water sanitizing system: chemical (chloride, hydrogen peroxide, oxine or pH control), ozone,

or ultraviolet light.

Recommendations to Protect Animals and People from SARS-CoV-2 and 

Flu on a Mink Farm

Biosecurity is a series of management practices designed to reduce the risk of disease agents being

introduced and spread on the farm. In broad terms, it refers to anything designed to prevent the 

transfer of disease-causing pathogens. Biosecurity is crucial in controlling and containing diseases such 

as COVID-19 and flu, as well as in the daily management practices protecting the health of farm workers 

and animals. To be effective, biosecurity measures need to be disease-specific and site-specific.

To ensure the health and safety of animals and people on your farm, follow state and industry 

biosecurity and safety guidance.

Recommended Biosecurity Measures on the Farm

• Use fences, gates, and other barriers to control access to animal housing.

o Limit access to the premises and buildings where production animals are kept to essential 

personnel only.

• To prevent direct exposure to infected animals, raise mink in locations separated by both physical 

barriers and distance from other farmed animals, including poultry and swine.

o Mink should be housed in a manner that excludes wildlife, including wild birds, rodents, and 

domestic animals like cats and dogs from the mink sheds and feed storage.

• Protect against exposure to wild birds or water or ground contaminated by wild birds:

o Reduce wildlife attractants;

o Prevent wildlife access; and

o Add wildlife deterrents.

• Provide employees with clean clothing, including coveralls and rubber boots, and disinfection 

facilities, including footbaths and showers, and directions for their use.

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles (including tires and undercarriage) when 

entering or leaving the farm.

• Do not borrow or lend equipment or vehicles.
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o If equipment or a vehicle must be shared between farms, it should be cleaned and disinfected 

thoroughly prior to arriving at each mink farm.

• Prohibit visits to poultry and swine farms, exhibitions, fairs, and sales or swap meets; if visits must 

occur, direct workers to change footwear and clothing on their return.

• Separate and monitor new mink for signs of illness for at least 21 days to avoid introducing disease 

to the herd.

• Require visitors to park their vehicles in designated areas away from animal housing.

• Use signage to advise visitors to remain in their vehicles until farm personnel assist them and 

provide a phone number visitors can call for entry instructions.

• Maintain a log of all personnel who enter the property (including family, workers, visitors, vendors, 

and others) that records the date, the person’s contact information, the nature of their visit, and 

their recent travel history, including whether they have been around other animals.

• Provide and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the activity being 

performed. This includes coveralls and rubber boots, as noted above, and increased PPE for people 

working closely with animals.

o Wearing PPE and certain clothing can often increase your risk for heat-related illnesses. See CDC 

information for heat stress prevention for employers and employees.

• Prevent ill workers and visitors from accessing the farm: Regardless of their vaccination and 

booster status, exclude staff members from work if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu, test 

positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu, or have been potentially exposed to or identified as a close contact 

of someone with COVID-19 or flu.

Clinical Signs of Respiratory Virus Infection in Mink

Clinical signs of SARS-CoV-2

Published research shows that healthy mink experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 can exhibit a 

range of clinical signs from illness consistent with severe COVID-19 in people to mild or no clinical signs.

Farmed mink that show signs of illness might display a range of signs from mild to severe respiratory 

signs (coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharge, difficulty breathing) and gastrointestinal signs 

(diarrhea). Illness spreads rapidly among mink, but clinical signs and death rates can vary among herds.

Clinical signs of flu

Reported clinical signs of flu in farmed mink include loss of appetite, hypersalivation, depression, bloody 

nose, coughing, sneezing, and neurological signs such as difficulty walking or standing and tremors.

Farmed mink infected with flu can also show mild to no clinical signs. 

Testing for Respiratory Viruses in Mink

Infected animals might not show any signs of illness. By testing animals, even those without signs of 

illness, scientists can determine if the virus is present and look for changes in the virus that could make 

it more deadly, spread more easily, and more difficult to control. By studying each change, scientists can 

monitor, and often predict, whether a change makes the virus more dangerous than others. Scientists 

can also use this information to track the spread of changes.
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There is a risk of new SARS-CoV-2 variants developing in animals, including mink. Therefore, it is 

important to monitor and to test mink, other animals, and people for SARS-CoV-2 to continue to learn 

about this virus to protect both human and animal health. 

Most flu viruses that caused pandemics emerged from a combination of human and animal flu viruses. 

There are many kinds of flu viruses that affect animals like poultry and swine that have sporadically 

infected people worldwide. Therefore, constant vigilance for new flu viruses worldwide is needed in 

people and animals.

Recommendations for Mink Producers and Workers Who Suspect Mink 

are Infected

Any producer, worker, or veterinarian, who suspects mink (or other animals) to be infected with a 

respiratory virus like SARS-CoV-2 or flu should contact their State Animal Health Official (SAHO)

immediately. The SAHO will likely engage the State Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) and appropriate 

federal partners including the APHIS’ Area Veterinarian in Charge and CDC’s One Health Office. 

State and federal officials will coordinate with producers and use a One Health approach to determine 

testing protocols for farmed mink for respiratory viruses. Protocols may account for animals that display 

clinical signs consistent with a viral respiratory infection and for animals that do not show any signs of 

illness, especially if they were exposed to infected people or animals.

The One Health investigation should start upon notification of suspected infections and not wait for test

results. Under applicable state animal and public health regulations, state animal health and public 

health officials, along with federal partners, will initiate appropriate One Health animal disease response 

activities. State and federal partners will also collaborate with the mink farm workers to conduct 

epidemiologic investigations into respiratory infections in animals and people to protect both human 

and animal health.

Sample Collection and Testing of Mink for SARS-CoV-2 or Flu

The SAHO will lead investigations on farms in their state, including coordinating collecting specimens for 

laboratory testing. The samples to collect are typically oropharyngeal or rectal swabs, or another sample 

as determined by a veterinarian. Blood samples might also be collected. Regardless of the sample type, 

all samples should be collected by a veterinarian or other animal health professional. A National Animal

Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab will conduct initial RT-PCR testing for evidence of viral RNA. Any 

samples that test non-negative at the NAHLN lab will immediately be forwarded to USDA’s National 

Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmatory testing.

Next Steps If SARS-CoV-2 or Flu Is Detected in a Mink Herd

If SARS-CoV-2 or flu is confirmed in a mink herd, officials will follow state regulations and federal 

guidelines to implement a One Health approach to infection prevention and response and recovery 

plans with producers and their veterinarians. In general, plans are designed to isolate the herd from 

unnecessary contact and provide care for all animals until the threat of further virus transmission in the 

herd and on the farm has passed. 
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Recommendations for Protecting Mink Producers and Workers around

Healthy Animals

Follow CDC’s guidelines to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines including boosters. CDC also 

recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Additional 

information: Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People | Avian Influenza (Flu).

Even if you stay up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccines, taking additional prevention steps can provide 

complementary layers of protection for animals like farmed mink that are highly susceptible to 

respiratory viruses.

• Wear a well-fitting, high quality mask or respirator. Properly fitting respirators provide the highest 

level of protection.

• When indoors, try to improve ventilation as much as possible.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% 

alcohol.

Recommendations for Protecting Mink Producers and Workers around 

Sick Animals

The risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2 or flu to people is thought to be low; however, there is a 

higher risk for people working on mink farms. Therefore, precautions including the use of personal 

protective equipment (PPE) are recommended to protect both people and mink:

• Stay up to date on vaccines. People that work with or around mink should follow CDC’s 

recommendation to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines including boosters and on the flu vaccine.

• Minimize contact with sick or dead animals. If animals are suspected to have or test positive for a 

respiratory virus, the number of people interacting with these animals should be kept to a 

minimum. Staff at high risk of getting very sick from respiratory viruses should not work with 

animals suspected or confirmed to be infected with a respiratory virus.

• Always immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after:

o Directly contacting animals, their food, supplies, pens, or waste/feces.

o Cleaning up after animals, including any body fluids or waste.

o Leaving areas where animals are housed, even if you did not touch an animal.

o Removing PPE or mask.

• Use a NIOSH Approved® particulate respirator with N95® filters or higher, gown, gloves, eye 

protection (e.g., goggles or face shield), and shoe or boot covers around sick animals. Follow 

recommendations for putting on and safely removing PPE. Do not use compressed air or water 

under pressure for cleaning, or any other methods that might aerosolize (spray into the air) 

infectious material. Using cleaning and disinfectants may pose a chemical hazard. Additional PPE 

may be needed to protect workers from exposure to the chemicals in addition to respiratory viruses; 

follow the cleaning or disinfectant product manufacturer’s instructions for use.

o Wearing PPE and certain clothing can often increase your risk for heat-related illnesses. See CDC 

information for heat stress prevention for employers and employees.
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• If there is a breach in PPE or other accidental direct contact with a sick animal or its urine, feces, 

blood, saliva, or vomit on exposed skin, immediately notify a supervisor, and immediately wash the

exposed area with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not 

immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) on skin. If 

hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water before using alcohol-based hand 

sanitizer. If an employee has an exposure to their mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, inside of nose, or 

mouth), the area that was exposed should be flushed with only water. Do not use soap or hand 

sanitizer to wash the eyes, inside of nose, or mouth.

• If a worker receives a bite, scratch, or abrasion from an animal, animal product, or an object 

contaminated by an animal: wash the exposed area of skin immediately with soap and warm water 

for at least 20 seconds, immediately alert the supervisor, and contact a health care provider and let 

them know about this exposure.

• For people who are exposed to sick animals or sick people:

o If someone was exposed to animals with the flu, they should follow CDC’s guidelines for what 

to do when exposed to birds infected with avian influenza viruses.

o If someone was exposed to a person with the flu, they should follow CDC’s recommendations 

for preventing flu. 

o If someone was exposed to a person with COVID-19, they should follow CDC’s 

recommendations on what to do if you were exposed to COVID-19. 

• If someone tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow CDC’s guidelines for Isolation and 

Precautions for People with COVID-19.

• If someone tests negative for COVID-19, they should self-monitor for symptoms of illness for 

10 days after the last day of exposure to potentially infected animals or contaminated 

materials.

• For someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to sick or dead animals but 

cannot isolate due to animal welfare concerns:

They should:

o Wear a high-quality mask or respirator if they must be around mink or others at home and in 

public.

o Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.

o Use a dedicated bathroom, if possible.

o Take steps to improve ventilation at home and in animal areas, if possible.

o Monitor their symptoms. If they have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), they 

should seek emergency medical care immediately.

They should not:

o Go to places where you are unable to wear a mask. 

o Travel.

o Share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.

Visit this site to learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.
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Recommendations to Educate and Train Workers to Reduce the spread 

of COVID-19 and Flu

Supplement workers’ normal and required job training with the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) standards, which provide additional training and information about COVID-19, 

including recognizing signs and symptoms of infection and ways to prevent exposure to the virus. 

Training should include information about how to put in place the various infection prevention and 

control measures recommended here, and they should be included in any infection prevention and 

control or COVID-19 response plan that an employer develops. OSHA provides additional information 

about training on its webpages for COVID-19 and flu. Visit Information for Specific Groups | Avian 

Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) for more information about people who might be at risk for occupational 

exposure to bird flu. OSHA also provides quick reference cards in English and Spanish about bird flu that 

contain helpful guidance about the signs and symptoms of bird flu in people as well as additional 

guidance. While this guidance was developed for poultry workers, this information applies to people 

working with any animals susceptible to bird flu.

All communication and training should be easy to understand and should be provided in languages

appropriate to the preferred languages spoken or read by the workers, if possible; be at the appropriate 

literacy level; and include accurate and timely information about:

• Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and flu, how they spread, risks for workplace exposures, and how 

workers can protect themselves;

• Proper handwashing practices and use of hand sanitizer stations;

• Cough and sneeze etiquette; and

• Other routine infection control precautions (e.g., safe practices for how to put on [don] and take off 

[doff] PPE, and high-quality masks.)

Employers should place simple posters in appropriate languages for their employees that encourage

staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and proper hand hygiene practices. They should

place these posters at the entrance to the workplace and in break areas, locker rooms, and other

workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.

Recommendations for Mink Farm Producers and Worker Protection

around Carcasses and Pelts

People who work around mink on farms with infected animals and remove and process pelts from 

infected mink are at higher risk for respiratory virus infection than people who do not work with 

infected animals or animal products. Mink can be infected with respiratory viruses but appear healthy,

and these infections may go undetected in the absence of active surveillance; therefore, steps should be 

taken to reduce respiratory virus transmission. 

• When handling carcasses and mink pelts during pelting or processing, use eye protection (e.g.,

goggles or face shield), a fit-tested NIOSH Approved® particulate respirator with N95® filters or 

higher level, gown, and gloves whenever splashes or sprays are likely to occur.

o For all PPE, follow the manufacturer directions on use, cleaning, storage, and disposal.

o PPE such as gloves, face and eye protection, and other types of PPE are needed when cleaning 

and disinfecting tools, surfaces, and equipment as splashing may occur. Using cleaning and 
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disinfectants may pose a chemical hazard. Additional PPE may be needed to protect workers 

from exposure to the chemicals in addition to respiratory viruses; follow the cleaning or 

disinfectant product manufacturer’s instructions for use.

• When participating in aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., whelping, pelting, processing, rendering), 

wear a face shield or goggles, gloves, protective outerwear, and a NIOSH Approved® particulate 

respirator with N95® filters or higher.

o Respirator use should be in the context of a complete respiratory protection program in 

accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory 

Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), which includes medical evaluations, training, and fit 

testing.

• Wear gloves and other protective outerwear as needed to avoid contact with animal carcasses, 

organs, bodily fluids, and pelts. 

• Always immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after: 

o Direct contact with animal carcasses, organs, or pelts;

o Cleaning up after animals, including any bodily fluids or waste; and

o Removing PPE or high-quality mask

• Wearing PPE and certain clothing can often increase your risk for heat-related illnesses. See CDC 

information for heat stress prevention for employers and employees.

If possible, pelting should be delayed at least 14 days after the last clinical signs of disease in the 

affected housing unit. This delay is particularly important if mink need to be transported off-site for 

pelting. Movement could require authorization by the SAHO through a permitted agreement.

Information on Carcass Disposal

Carcasses should be disposed of in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, especially 

those from animals that test positive for a respiratory virus, are suspected to be infected with a 

respiratory virus, or are exposed to infected animals or people. Additional information about state 

requirements for carcass disposal is available on the Veterinary Compliance Assistance website. APHIS, 

upon request, can provide technical support and guidance to assist in identifying and implementing a 

local disposal plan.

• Carcasses must be carefully transported to the approved disposal site to prevent contaminated

material from escaping the transport vehicles. All vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected after 

each use. 

• Onsite composting, onsite burial, incineration, landfill, and rendering, or a combination of these

methods are generally the most suitable options. For more information, visit the APHIS Carcass 

Management Dashboard.
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Additional Resources

• USDA in-depth discussion of PPE use in animal disease incidents

• Response and Containment Guidelines: Interim Guidance for Animal Health and Public Health 

Officials Managing Farmed Mink and other Farmed Mustelids with SARS-CoV-2

• USDA APHIS main page for 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

• CDC: COVID-19 and Animals

• CDC: Avian Influenza Current Situation

• Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)

• Ask the Expert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses (cdc.gov)

• Protecting Poultry Workers from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• Information on Swine/Variant Influenza | CDC

N95® and NIOSH Approved® are registered certification marks of the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services (HHS).

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