Farm

Mink Farming Phase-Out: Welfare and Disease Lessons

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mink farming bans across Europe, highlighting both welfare problems in mink farms and the disease risks they pose.

Key Facts

Mink farms became COVID-19 hotspots with virus amplification and mutation on several continents
Multiple European countries banned mink farming during 2020-2022 including Poland, France, and Spain
Mink are semi-aquatic animals with wide-ranging needs that cannot be met in cage systems
UK mink farming was banned in 2000 after years of welfare campaigning

Welfare Considerations

Mink in cages experience severe behavioural deprivation leading to high rates of stereotypy and self-harm. The additional zoonotic disease risk from mink farming creates a public health argument that reinforces the welfare case for abolition.

What You Can Do

Support continued phase-out of mink farming in remaining European countries
Advocate for alternatives to fur-derived fashion products
Engage with fashion industry campaigns against fur use