SPORTING ANSWERS

Coronavirus and UK ferrets

VETERINARY CARE

Q Has the finding of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing infection in farmed mink in Denmark, and the fact that ferrets are closely related, altered the situation on SARS-Cov-2 and ferrets in the UK?

A SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people, has been found in a small number of companion animals and zoo animals, and at a number of mink farms, including in Denmark. Not all of the animals show signs of disease and, when they do, these are typically very mild, usually a combination of fever, loss of appetite and respiratory and digestive system signs. With regard to farmed mink, there were cases of increased mortality.

There are no mink farms in the UK, but there is some concern about the possibility of infection in the related population of ferrets. The Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) has issued guidance: . I recommend that all ferret keepers read it. It can be found online at bit.ly/ferretC19.