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New Delhi: A recently published study has identified 125 viruses circulating in animals from China’s fur farms, raising concerns about the risk of these viruses spreading to human populations. The study, led by Chinese researchers and co-authored by virologist Edward Holmes, highlights the urgent need for better virus surveillance on fur farms. The findings include 36 previously unknown viruses, 39 of which have been identified as being at “high risk” of crossing species, potentially leading to human infections.
The research, published in the journal Nature, was carried out between 2021 and 2024 and focused on 461 animals that died from the disease. Most of these animals, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, rabbits and muskrats, came from fur farms, some of which were raised for food or traditional medicine. The study also included about 50 wild animals. The viruses detected include known pathogens such as hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis, as well as 13 new viruses, highlighting the role of fur farms as potential virus transmission centers.
Calls to shut down the fur farming industry
Virologist Edward Holmes, who actively researches the spread of viruses in animals, expressed concern about the fur farming industry’s role in promoting the spread of the virus. “Personally, I think the fur farming industry should be shut down globally,” Holmes said. He has been a strong advocate of strict monitoring and action to prevent future outbreaks.
One of the viruses identified in the study was the “Pipistrellus bat HKU5-like virus,” which was previously found in bats but was now found in the lungs of two farmed minks. The virus is very similar to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS), which can be deadly to humans. “Now that we see it has jumped from bats to farmed minks, it’s a red flag. This virus needs to be monitored,” Holmes warned.
Fur farms have become virus transmission centers
The findings of the study emphasise that fur farms can act as a medium for the transmission of viruses between animals and humans. The researchers found evidence of several types of bird flu in animals such as guinea pigs, minks and muskrats. The team also found signs of seven types of bird flu. Coronavirus In these animals, however, none of them were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Raccoon dogs and minks were identified as carrying the most dangerous viruses, making them key species of concern. According to the study, these species carry viruses that are at particularly high risk for crossing species barriers, potentially leading to human infection. “The intensive breeding environment of farm animals serves as a potential bridge for the spread of viruses,” the researchers said.
The global fur trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, with China being the dominant player, responsible for more than 80% of the world’s fur production. In 2021, China produced an estimated 27 million animal skins, most of which were turned into luxury clothing. The northeastern Chinese province of Shandong, which is home to many fur farms, was identified as an area with a particularly high concentration of the high-risk virus.
Wildlife trade and the origin of the virus
The study’s findings draw attention to the broader issue of virus transmission linked to the wildlife trade. Many scientists believe that COVID-19 pandemic Originating from the wildlife trade, bats are the likely source of the virus. Holmes shared his views in this regard, saying, “I strongly believe that the wildlife trade was responsible for the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.” He further suggested that the fur farming industry, which is closely linked to the wildlife trade, could easily give rise to another pandemic virus.
The exact origins of COVID-19 are still under investigation, but some of the earliest human cases were linked to wet markets in Wuhan, where live animals, including raccoon dogs, were sold. These animals have been involved in previous outbreaks, some of which have resulted in confirmed infections. Fur animals Animals such as foxes, civets and minks are being identified as potential hosts for viruses such as the original SARS coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2. Research suggests that interactions between humans, farm animals and wild animals on fur farms may increase the likelihood of viral transmission across species.
Surveillance and global responses
The researchers emphasized the need to increase monitoring of fur farms, particularly focusing on species such as mink, raccoon dogs and guinea pigs. Most of the “high-risk” viruses were found in these animals. The study authors, led by Shuo Su of Fudan University in Shanghai, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring these animals to prevent zoonotic transmission, which occurs when viruses spread from animals to humans.
Despite global awareness of these risks, responses to fur farming practices have been mixed. For example, Denmark culled its entire farmed mink population in 2020 due to concerns over COVID-19 infection. However, the country has since reauthorised mink farming. In contrast, China dominates the global fur market, and there is little sign of stricter regulations being implemented.
The researchers also identified examples of cross-species transmission at fur farms, including a new canine respiratory coronavirus found in raccoon dogs and a bat coronavirus transmitted in mink. These findings demonstrate the role of fur farms as potential transmission centers for viruses that could spread to human populations.
Urgent need for global action
As fur farming continues to flourish, especially in Asia, scientists are calling for stronger regulation and better surveillance systems to prevent future pandemics. The study authors recommend increasing monitoring of virus activity in farmed fur animals, especially in animals that carry high-risk viruses. Holmes and other experts believe that without proactive measures, fur farms could become the source of the next global outbreak.
Holmes reiterated the need for urgent action, saying, “The associated fur farming trade could easily lead to another pandemic virus.” With a global public health threat looming, researchers are urging governments to take these warnings seriously and implement policies to mitigate the risks associated with the fur farming industry.
(With inputs from AFP)
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