tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Sci Rep
. 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19440.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69902-6. Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic
Kristian Key Milan Thamsborg[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Mette Sif Hansen[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Charlotte Scheutz[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kasper Klintø[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Peter Kjeldsen[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Lise Kirstine Kvisgaard[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Henrik Elvang Jensen[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Freja Broe Hjerpe[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Louise Lohse[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Thomas Bruun Rasmussen[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Lasse Dam Rasmussen[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Amalie Ehlers Bedsted[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Graham J Belsham[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jørgen J Leisner[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Anders Dalsgaard[SUP] 5 [/SUP]
Affiliations
In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment. Additionally, we evaluated carcasses for decay status, cadaverine content, and the presence of various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus. Our findings revealed minimal microbial activity and limited carcass decomposition. Although viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus, along with DNA from Aleutian mink disease virus, were detected, the absence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays suggests slow natural degradation processes. This study provides critical insights for future considerations in managing mass burial scenarios during outbreaks of livestock-associated zoonotic pathogens.
. 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19440.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69902-6. Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic
Kristian Key Milan Thamsborg[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Mette Sif Hansen[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Charlotte Scheutz[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Kasper Klintø[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Peter Kjeldsen[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Lise Kirstine Kvisgaard[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Henrik Elvang Jensen[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Freja Broe Hjerpe[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Louise Lohse[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Thomas Bruun Rasmussen[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Lasse Dam Rasmussen[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Amalie Ehlers Bedsted[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Graham J Belsham[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jørgen J Leisner[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Anders Dalsgaard[SUP] 5 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 39169071
- DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69902-6
In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment. Additionally, we evaluated carcasses for decay status, cadaverine content, and the presence of various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus. Our findings revealed minimal microbial activity and limited carcass decomposition. Although viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus, along with DNA from Aleutian mink disease virus, were detected, the absence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays suggests slow natural degradation processes. This study provides critical insights for future considerations in managing mass burial scenarios during outbreaks of livestock-associated zoonotic pathogens.