Mink test Covid-19 positive, animal charities call for 'fur ban'

Animal protection organisation Humane Society International is urging for a global ban on fur trade after mink at two fur farms in The Netherlands tested positive for Covid-19, adding to the list of animals known to be at risk of catching the virus. They said that besides these animals suffering at farms, the potential of disease transmission is a major reason why this 'dirty trade' must come to an end. Officials in The Netherlands believe that the mink contracted the illness from farm workers. The creation of new mink farms was banned there in 2013, while existing farms have until 2024 to close. PETA has written a letter to ministers calling for the farms to be shut down immediately. According to experts, coronavirus could be "catastrophic" for endangered wildlife.