Epidemiologic and Genomic Evidence for Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among People and Animals on a Michigan Mink Farm, United States, 2020
Author:
Ghai Ria R.1, Straily Anne1, Wineland Nora2, Calogero Jennifer2, Stobierski Mary Grace3, Signs Kimberly3, Blievernicht Melissa2, Torres-Mendoza Yaritbel1, Waltenburg Michelle A.1, Condrey Jillian A.1, Blankenship Heather M.3, Riner Diana3, Barr Nancy2, Schalow Michele2, Goodrich Jarold2, Collins Cheryl2, Ahmad Ausaf1ORCID, Metz John Michael1, Herzegh Owen1, Straka Kelly4, Arsnoe Dustin M.5, Duffiney Anthony G.5, Shriner Susan A.5ORCID, Kainulainen Markus H.1ORCID, Carpenter Ann1ORCID, Whitehill Florence1, Wendling Natalie M.1ORCID, Stoddard Robyn A.1, Retchless Adam C.1ORCID, Uehara Anna1, Tao Ying1, Li Yan1, Zhang Jing1, Tong Suxiang1, Barton Behravesh Casey1
Affiliation:
1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA 2. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA 3. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI 48909, USA 4. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI 48909, USA 5. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA
Abstract
Farmed mink are one of few animals in which infection with SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in sustained transmission among a population and spillback from mink to people. In September 2020, mink on a Michigan farm exhibited increased morbidity and mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted an epidemiologic investigation to identify the source of initial mink exposure, assess the degree of spread within the facility’s overall mink population, and evaluate the risk of further viral spread on the farm and in surrounding wildlife habitats. Three farm employees reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 the same day that increased mortality rates were observed among the mink herd. One of these individuals, and another asymptomatic employee, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) 9 days later. All but one mink sampled on the farm were positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on nucleic acid detection from at least one oral, nasal, or rectal swab tested by RT-qPCR (99%). Sequence analysis showed high degrees of similarity between sequences from mink and the two positive farm employees. Epidemiologic and genomic data, including the presence of F486L and N501T mutations believed to arise through mink adaptation, support the hypothesis that the two employees with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection contracted COVID-19 from mink. However, the specific source of virus introduction onto the farm was not identified. Three companion animals living with mink farm employees and 31 wild animals of six species sampled in the surrounding area were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. Results from this investigation support the necessity of a One Health approach to manage the zoonotic spread of SARS-CoV-2 and underscores the critical need for multifaceted public health approaches to prevent the introduction and spread of respiratory viruses on mink farms.
Funder
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Subject
Virology,Infectious Diseases
|
|