The Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza has signed an ordinance which provides for the suspension of the activities of mink farms throughout the Italian territory until the end of February 2021 when a new assessment on the epidemiological status will be carried out.
This was announced by the ministry.
"The measure adds SARS CoV-2 infection in farmed mink to the list of infectious and diffusive diseases of animals subject to sanitary measures according to the" Veterinary Police Regulations (DPR February 8, 1954, n. 320) ". The ministry also stresses that "although the number of farms in Italy is very small compared to other European countries, it was decided to follow the principle of maximum precaution in compliance with the opinion expressed by the Superior Health Council".
According to the ordinance, "in case of suspicion of infection, the competent local authorities order the seizure of the farm, the blocking of the movement of animals, sewage, vehicles, equipment and the start of an epidemiological investigation. In case of confirmation of the disease, the mink on the farm are being slaughtered ".
