More than 100 deadly viruses detected in fur animals in China that could pose a threat to humans, study says

Urgent call to close the fur farming industry

Edward Holmes, a virologist who studies animal virus Holmes, who has raised concerns about the role of fur farms in spreading the virus, said the industry needed to be shut down. “Fur farms should be shut down globally,” Holmes said, stressing the need for increased vigilance to prevent future outbreaks. One of the viruses identified, the “Pipistrellus bat HKU5-like virus”, which had previously been detected in bats, has now been detected in two farmed minks. This virus is closely linked to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). coronaviruswhich is deadly to humans. Holmes warned that its transmission from bats to minks should serve as a serious warning and require close monitoring.

Virus transmission centres on fur farms

The findings suggest that fur farms may facilitate the transmission of viruses between animals and humans. The researchers detected avian influenza viruses in animals such as guinea pigs, minks and muskrats, as well as seven types of coronaviruses, although none were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. Raccoon dogs and minks carry the most potentially dangerous viruses, making them key species of concern. These species harbour viruses considered high risk for crossing species barriers, potentially leading to human infections. The researchers noted that intensive farming environments on fur farms may act as bridges for the spread of the virus.

The role of the fur industry and its global impact

China, which produces more than 80 percent of the world’s fur, has a multibillion-dollar fur industry. In 2021, China produced pelts from about 27 million animals, mostly for luxury clothing. The northeastern province of Shandong, where there are numerous fur farms, was singled out as a high-risk virus hotspot. The study also highlights how fur farming is linked to the broader wildlife trade, a possible origin of COVID-19. pandemicHolmes noted that the wildlife trade likely caused the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, drawing connections between the fur industry and future pandemics. While the origins of COVID-19 remain under investigation, the first human cases were linked to wet markets in Wuhan, where animals such as raccoon dogs, implicated in previous outbreaks, were sold.

Call for global vigilance and regulation

Researchers called for increased surveillance of fur farms, particularly high-risk species such as mink, raccoon dogs and guinea pigs. These animals were found to harbor the majority of high-risk viruses. The study authors, led by Shuo Su of Fudan University, stressed the need to monitor these animals to prevent zoonotic transmissions. Despite the risks, global responses to fur farming have varied. Denmark culled its entire mink population in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns but later resumed mink farming. China continues to dominate the global fur market with few regulatory changes.

The study also found cross-species transmission, including a canine respiratory coronavirus in raccoon dogs and bat coronavirus in minks, reinforcing the role of fur farms as potential hubs for the virus to spread to humans.

Urgent global action is needed

As fur farming continues, particularly in Asia, scientists are calling for stricter regulations and improved surveillance to prevent future pandemics. The study recommends intensifying monitoring of virus activity in farm animals. fur animalsparticularly in species known to harbour high-risk viruses. Holmes and other experts stress that without proactive measures, fur farms could trigger the next global outbreak. Holmes warned: “The fur farm trade could easily lead to another pandemic virus.” Scientists urge world governments to take the warning seriously and implement policies to mitigate the risks posed by fur farming.