Fur farming, vehicles of new pandemics

As reported in a recent issue of the scientific journal Nature, research conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia, indicates that certain fur-bearing animals, including foxes, raccoons, and mink, may serve as potential vectors for the emergence of novel pathogens, acting as a bridge between humans and viruses that are endemically present in wildlife. A comprehensive analysis of intestinal and lung tissue samples from approximately 400 animals that succumbed to infectious diseases between 2021 and 2024 on fur farms in China revealed the presence of over 30 viruses with the potential to cross species boundaries and cause harm. Around 125 distinct viruses were identified, including numerous influenza viruses and coronaviruses, such as the Japanese encephalitis virus and a coronavirus closely related to HKU5, which is responsible for MERS. This suggests the necessity for a transition towards the exclusive production of artificial furs, or for implementing more rigorous control measures over the production of natural furs.