Hungary bans the farming of mink, foxes, and ferrets for fur

In an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19, Hungary has announced the country is banning mink, fox, and ferret farming. The virus, in addition to some of its mutations, was found on mink fur farms in several different countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States.

Although this farming does not currently take place in Hungary, Ministerial Commissioner of Animal Protection Péter Óvári revealed the ban is intended to mitigate the spread of all zoonotic diseases, which are spread by animals.

In Denmark and the Netherlands, millions of mink have already been killed as the country tries to stop the spread of the COVID-19 mutation they carry. The mutation could cause problems for any future COVID vaccines.

Joanna Swabe, Senior Director of Public Affairs for Humane Society International (HSI) Europe, said, “[T]his ban is more than just symbol politics because there is a very real and present danger that fur farmers from elsewhere in Europe may attempt to move their operations to Hungary and set up shop there.”

Swabe believes Hungary’s preemptive ban is good for both humans and animals. “This is a precautionary measure that shuts the door to that happening, and that is a good outcome for human health and animal welfare.”

Article written by Tessa Altman- United States