Nine months into the pandemic, and our scientists are still unsure where the virus came from causing it. It seems logical it came from beyond the human population, because we had not experienced it before. Another animal may be more likely because of overlaps in DNA. Now Dutch veterinary scientists say they have compelling proof of spread between minks and humans.
Proof of Spread Between Minks and Humans in Both Directions
Dutch veterinary specialists conducted detailed studies at 16 mink farms according to Study Finds. They applied genome sequencing to the minks, and to the people tending them. Genome sequencing helps determine sources of transmission. The study involved 720,000 minks and 97 humans. And the veterinary specialists say they have strong proof of spread between minks and humans.
The researchers say they discovered compelling evidence that minks infected two people on four farms. However, their genome sequencing suggests the virus may have first entered the herd via humans. And that the infection circulated among the minks for several weeks prior to detection without them developing symptoms.
A Distinct Genome Difference From Other People Living Nearby
The Dutch veterinary specialists then compared their DNA samples with those of other infected people living near the farms. These were sufficiently different to suggest the original infection came from the minks, as opposed to people beyond the farms.
Their report confirms the genetic sequences from each of the infected mink farms were in five distinct clusters. This enabled them to trace how the virus traveled between the 16 farms.
However, they point out there is insufficient proof of spread between minks and humans, to reach broader conclusions. They are satisfied some of the employees received their infections directly from minks. But more work is necessary to trace the spread of the virus in this incident.
Related
The Hunt for the Missing Corona Virus Link
How the Virus Jumped from Animals to People
Preview Image: Unrelated Example of Mink Farm
