Four Novel SARS-CoV-2 Infected Feral American Mink (Neovison vison) Among 60 Individuals Caught in the Wild

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the zoonotic virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has caused global health and economic dis-ruption. American mink (Neovison vison) are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and capable of transmitting it to both mink and humans. We previously reported the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 in feral mink, with two positive cases among 13 animals in the upper courses of two rivers in the Valencian Community, eastern Spain. Here, we expand that study with 60 additional feral mink sampled from November 2020 to May 2022. Four new positives were identified using a two-step RT-PCR assay on necropsy samples including nasal and rectal swabs, lung tissue, lymph nodes, and fetuses from three pregnant females. In total, six of 73 mink tested positive, all with low viral loads. Sanger sequencing confirmed infection and revealed clustering with the B.1.177 and Alpha variants. Body weight and reproductive status analyses indicated seasonal breeding and high population turnover, consistent with other wild mink populations. These findings suggest limited SARS-CoV-2 circulation in feral mink in this region, but underscore the importance of ongoing wildlife surveillance in support of One Health strategies.