Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2024-08-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69902-6
Primary Topic
Zoonotic diseases and public health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic

Graham J. Belsham, Peter Kjeldsen, Lasse Dam Rasmussen, Thomas Bruun Rasmussen, Charlotte Scheutz, Louise Lohse, Freja Broe Hjerpe, Henrik Elvang Jensen, Kristian Thamsborg, Jørgen Johannes Leisner, Anders Dalsgaard, Amalie Ehlers Bedsted, Mette Sif Hansen, Kasper Klintø, Lise Kirstine Kvisgaard
article en

Abstract

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.

Scientific ReportsVol. 14(1)
Statens Serum Institut (DK), University of Copenhagen (DK), Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DK), Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Fødevarestyrelsens
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 79%
Zoonotic diseases and public health
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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