A new study has uncovered 125 different viruses circulating in animals on fur farms in China, raising concerns about the potential for these viruses to spread to humans. The research, which was conducted by a team of Chinese scientists and co-authored by virologist Edward Holmes, emphasizes the urgent need to closely monitor virus activity on fur farms. Of these viruses, 36 were previously unknown, and 39 have been classified as “high risk” for crossing species barriers, meaning they could potentially infect humans.
The findings of this study, published in the journal *Nature*, underscore the significant threat posed by viruses on fur farms, which could lead to the next global health crisis if not properly managed.
How the Study Was Conducted?
The study took place between 2021 and 2024 and focused on analyzing 461 animals that had died from various diseases. The animals included farmed minks, foxes, raccoon dogs, rabbits, and muskrats, which are bred mainly for their fur. Some of these animals are also farmed for food or used in traditional medicine in China. Additionally, around 50 wild animals were included in the research to provide a broader picture of the viral activity.
The researchers found a wide variety of viruses, including some well-known pathogens like hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis. More concerning was the discovery of 13 completely new viruses, as well as several strains of bird flu. These findings highlight the danger that fur farms could become hotspots for virus transmission between animals and, potentially, humans.
Call to Shut Down Fur Farms
One of the most alarming findings was the detection of the “Pipistrellus bat HKU5-like virus” in the lungs of two minks. This virus is related to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS), which can cause severe illness in humans. This discovery has reignited calls from scientists and animal rights activists to close down fur farms, as these environments could be breeding grounds for future pandemics.
Fur farms have long been a controversial industry, not only for ethical reasons but also because they pose significant public health risks. The close confinement of animals, the lack of hygiene, and the interaction between farmed and wild animals create an ideal environment for viruses to spread and mutate.
Fur Farms as Virus Transmission Hubs
The study emphasizes that fur farms have the potential to act as “transmission hubs,” where viruses can jump from animals to humans. Researchers found traces of bird flu in animals like minks and muskrats, as well as seven different types of coronaviruses. While none of the coronaviruses were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the presence of multiple dangerous pathogens is concerning.
Raccoon dogs and minks were identified as carrying the highest number of high-risk viruses. These animals, commonly farmed for their fur, could serve as key sources of future outbreaks. The researchers explained that the intensive breeding conditions in fur farms make it easier for viruses to evolve and adapt to infect humans.
China’s Role in the Fur Industry
The global fur industry is worth billions of dollars, and China is the leading player, producing over 80% of the world’s fur. In 2021, China produced fur from around 27 million animals, most of which were turned into luxury garments. The province of Shandong, in northeastern China, has a particularly high concentration of fur farms and was identified in the study as having a large number of high-risk viruses.
These findings raise concerns about the practices in the fur industry, not only from a public health perspective but also regarding the welfare of the animals involved. The risk of virus spillover into human populations from fur farms is something the global community can no longer afford to ignore.
The Wildlife Trade and Virus Origins
The study also sheds light on the broader issue of virus transmission related to the wildlife trade. Many scientists believe that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from the wildlife trade, with bats being a likely source of the virus. Early human cases of COVID-19 were linked to wet markets in Wuhan, where live animals, including raccoon dogs, were sold.
Animals like raccoon dogs, foxes, and minks have been identified as potential carriers of viruses like SARS and MERS, making fur farms a high-risk environment for future virus outbreaks. The interaction between humans, farmed animals, and wild animals on fur farms significantly increases the risk of virus transmission across species.
Monitoring and Preventing Future Outbreaks
The researchers stress that increased surveillance of fur farms is crucial to prevent zoonotic transmission—where viruses jump from animals to humans. According to the study, species like mink, raccoon dogs, and guinea pigs are particularly dangerous as they were found to harbor the majority of high-risk viruses. Shuo Su from Fudan University in Shanghai, who led the study, emphasized the need for regular virus monitoring on fur farms to catch potential threats before they can spread to humans.
While there has been global attention on the risks posed by fur farms, responses have been mixed. For example, Denmark culled its entire mink population in 2020 over concerns about COVID-19 spreading through mink farms. However, mink farming has since resumed in the country. In contrast, China has shown little indication that it will impose stricter regulations on fur farming, despite being the leading producer.
Cross-Species Transmission on Fur Farms
The study also found evidence of cross-species transmission on fur farms. For example, researchers detected a new canine respiratory coronavirus in raccoon dogs, as well as bat coronaviruses in minks. These findings further illustrate the potential danger of fur farms as virus “mixing pots,” where pathogens can jump between different species and mutate into forms that could infect humans.
Urgent Action Needed
As fur farming continues to thrive, especially in countries like China, scientists are calling for stronger regulations and better surveillance to prevent future pandemics. The researchers behind this study recommend increased monitoring of virus activity, particularly in animals that are farmed for their fur.