Streptococcus canis outbreak affecting farmed mink (Neogale vison) in Northwestern Greece

The present study describes an outbreak of Streptococcus canis (S.canis) infection in a commercial mink farm in West Macedonia, Greece, and investigates its clinical, pathological and microbiological features.In late February 2024, approximately 300 out of 5,100 mink (5.9%) developed purulent abscesses primarily located on the head, while some animals exhibited neurological signs, including depression, weakness and lethargy. The farmer reported similar incidences in animals also the previous year. Necropsy revealed localized abscessation, and purulent meningoencephalitis was observed in two cases. Bacteriological culture followed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing confirmed the presence of S. canis in all examined samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated potential clinical efficacy of ampicillin and erythromycin.The recurrence of the outbreak and its seasonal pattern suggest the involvement of predisposing factors such as environmental stress and trauma associated with housing conditions. Clinical response to ampicillin supports its continued efficacy against S.canis, while resistance to selected non-β-lactam agents highlights the value of antimicrobial susceptibility testing when alternative therapies are considered.These findings support a potential pathogenic role of S.canis in farmed mink, including cases with neurological involvement, and underline the need for improved management practices and further investigation into its epidemiology in farmed mink populations.