Zoonoses in fur farms – risk profile

This risk profile assessed the disease risk to humans caused by fur farming in Finland. Fur farming creates favourable conditions for the spread of pathogens and the mutation of some of them. Mink in particular is an effective reservoir for many different viruses. As very few samples are taken from fur animals for disease examination, it is not possible to estimate the presence of diseases in Finnish fur animals.

Pathogens and other microbes, which are transferred between humans and fur animals, are especially respiratory viruses, faecal pathogens, and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. They pose a health risk to fur farm workers and their contacts. In particular, influenza viruses in fur animals can transform into a serious and easily spreading disease, which is also contagious to other mammals.

The main sources of pathogens for fur animals are people, feed, and other animals. In fur farms, biosecurity measures are often insufficient. The enhancement of biosecurity and proper risk management of the feed chain would improve the prevention of infections.

The report is written in Finnish.