Following outbreaks of COVID in farmed mink and contact workers in the State, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has published an emergency rule requiring vaccination by August 31st.  The temporary rule was made possible following approval of a COVID vaccine manufactured in the U.S.

The rule also calls for surveillance.  According to Dr. Ryan Schulz, State Veterinarian, “The ODA is taking the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection in captive mink as well as reduce the risk of potential mutation of the virus and the potential for virus transmission back to humans”.

 Oregon has 11 mink farms, eight of which are in relatively close proximity in Marion County.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the state Administration was subject to criticism based on lack of information concerning the outbreaks that occurred during 2020.