New rules for B.C. mink farms effective immediately after several more test positive for COVID-causing virus
As many as seven more mink are thought to have contracted the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, prompting new rules from the B.C. government.
Two of the animals at a B.C. farm, which has been under quarantine for months, have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Another five have initially tested positive, though final results are pending.
The farm, which has not been publicly identified by the province, has been under quarantine since May, when other mink tested positive for the virus.
According to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the two known to have SARS-CoV-2 were among four found at the farm after escaping their cages.
Infections have been confirmed at three B.C. mink farms since December, and all three remain under quarantine. This means no mink can be moved into or from the farms.
Additionally, the province announced further restrictions Monday that will impact all nine mink farms located in B.C.
The provincial health officer has placed a moratorium on any new mink farms in B.C. for the time being, and all existing mink farms – all of which are located in the Fraser Valley – are now under another rule.
The farm operators must report the total number of mink they have, both breeding and non-breeding, then adhere to a cap at their current number.
According to the ministry, the province is currently reviewing its policies regarding fur farms, "while ensuring the recommended mitigation measures are in place and enforced to protect both public and animal health."
Measures are in place in the Fraser Health Authority to protect workers and their families, and to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through human-animal contact.
B.C.'s mink farms employ about 150 workers, the province said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report says explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.