SARS-CoV-2 in mink: development of a vaccine and serological testing

Lead Applicant: Leonardo Susta

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2021/2022

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Approximately 1.7 million mink are farmed every year in Canada, with 0.5 million farmed in Ontario. Mink are susceptible to SARS-Cov-2 (the causative agent for COVID-19) and can enable zoonotic transmission to those in contact with them, posing a risk to human safety. This efficacy study will evaluate a recently developed mink specific SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Future use of this vaccine could include emergency vaccination to limit infection spread and prevent further development of mink-derived variants of the virus.