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It is generally accepted that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has spilled into the human population from a wildlife reservoir, likely bats. In recent months human to ferret, ferret to ferret, human to mink, mink to mink and mink to human transmission have all been demonstrated. The ability of an animal to become infected with COVID-19 is a result of the shape of certain receptors on cells in the lining of the respiratory tract (ACE2 receptors). The shape of these receptors tends to be similar in related species, meaning the species closely related to ferrets and mink could potentially be at risk of infection.

Ferrets have shown to become infected by human owners who are COVID-19 positive. These ferrets become unwell, with a fever, and loss of appetite. While unwell ferrets can pass infection to other ferrets via direct contact, there has been no proven transmission from a ferret back to a human.

Mink have been infected via contact with infected workers in an intensive farming situation. These mink become unwell, and an increased mortality rate is noted. Mink can infect other mink via direct (same cage) and indirect (adjacent cage) contact. Within the captive mink population, a mutation in SARS-CoV-2 occurred, which has been passed back into the human population. Humans are able to pass this infection to other humans. Immunity to the original SARS-CoV-2 does not give good immunity to the mink mutation form. Currently the mink mutation SARS-CoV-2 is not circulating in the UK, and 17 million mink in Denmark and the Netherlands have been culled in order to stop the spread of this mutation within the captive and to the wild mink population.

Within the wildlife rehabilitation situation, it may become important to understand the implications of SARS-CoV-2 potentially spilling into an alternative wildlife reservoir and to take appropriate steps to avoid this. Mustelids such as mink, polecats, otters, pine martens and weasels are all potential candidates, although those species that are more habituated to living near humans would present the greatest risk.

While the risk of spread into wildlife is small, we know from our experience with badgers and tuberculosis in the UK, and raccoon/skunk and rabies in the US that the potential for a wildlife reservoir should be avoided if possible. It is essential that wildlife rehabilitators take appropriate steps to avoid infection within their facilities.

Steps that a wildlife rehabilitation centre should consider:

  1. Isolating all ferrets/polecats from other mustelids.
  2. Any staff showing clinical signs should self-isolate, and the importance of these staff not coming into contact with mustelids (eg in a foster or hand-rearing situation) should be emphasised.
  3. Suitable PPE should be used in all cases and changed between mustelid patients.
  4. Cage furniture should not be shared between mustelid patients. Any cage furniture that is re-usable (such as bowls, litter trays) should be cleaned and then disinfected between patients. Cage furniture that cannot be adequately cleaned (ie anything wooden) should be discarded after use.

 

REFERENCES

Gautam A et al (2020) Susceptibility to SARS, MERS and COVID-19 from an animal health perspective. Open Vet J 2020, Aug 10(2):164-177

Heegaard PMH et al (2020) Animal models for COVID-19: More to the picture than ACE2, rodents, ferrets and non-human primates. A case for porcine respiratory coronavirus and the obese Ossabaw pig. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.573756

Kim Y et al (2020) Infection and rapid transmission of SARS CoV2 in ferrets. Cell Host Microbe 27, 704.e2

Khatri I et al (2020) Blocking the high-affinity interaction synapse between SARS CoV2 spike and human ACE2 proteins likely requires multiple high-affinity antibodies: an immune perspective. Frontl Immunol 2020; 11:570018

Kutter JS et al (2020) SARS CoV and SARS CoV2 are transmitted through the air between ferrets over more than one meter distance. bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.19.3453636

Manes C et al (2020) Could mustelids spur COVID-19 into a panzootic? Veterinaria Italiana 09 Sept 2020 DOI:10.12834/vetit.2375.13627.1

Munnink BBO et al (2020) Anthropozoonotic and zoonotic transmission of SARS CoV 2 on mink farms. bioRxiv doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.01.277152

Oreshkova N et al, (2020) SARS CoV 2 infection in farmed minks, the Netherlands April & May 2020. Euro Surveill. 2020;25(23):pii=2001005

Sawatzki K et al (2020) Ferrets not infected by SARS CoV2 in a high exposure domestic setting. bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.08.21.254995

British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) Terms and Conditions Individual Membership

1. Associate membership applications

Applications for associate membership will be considered by the BWRC based on criteria such as professional background, relevance to the BWRC’s mission, and completeness of the application. The BWRC reserves the right to refuse applications that do not meet these criteria.

2. Membership payments, renewals, and cancellations

Payment can be made by cheque, BACS, or Standing Order. Please make cheques payable to “British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council” and send them to BWRC, The Gateway 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1SR. For BACS and Standing Order payments, use the following bank details:

  • Bank Name: CAF Bank
  • Account Number: 00030038
  • Sort Code: 40-52-40

 

To cancel your membership, please notify us in writing by sending an email to [email protected] stating your reason for cancellation. This reason will be recorded for internal use only.

3. Individual associate membership rights and responsibilities

Associate individual non-voting membership of the BWRC does not count as membership for legal purposes. Therefore, Associate Members do not have any voting rights, legal obligations to act in the interests of the BWRC, or any liability to contribute to the assets of the BWRC on dissolution. The BWRC is not liable for any disputes arising between the member and their organisation regarding membership.

Associate Member benefits may change without notice. Members will be notified of any significant changes via email or through updates on the BWRC website.

4. The ten principles of wildlife rehabilitation

As a member of BWRC, you will be dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and welfare for wildlife casualties. Individual members should adhere to all of the following principles:

  1. High standards of care: I commit to ensuring the highest standards of care and welfare for all wildlife casualties.
  2. Evidence-based practices: I will adhere to professional and evidence-based wildlife care practices.
  3. Compliance and evidence: I will collect and provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with the ten principles.
  4. Random audits: I agree to participate in random audits conducted by BWRC to ensure ongoing compliance.
  5. Timely submissions: I will submit required reports within one month when selected for audit.
  6. Review and feedback: I understand that my compliance reports will be reviewed by BWRC Trustees, and I will receive feedback accordingly.
  7. Audit frequency: I acknowledge that audits will not occur more than once in any three-year period unless a complaint is raised.
  8. Member support: I agree to receive support from BWRC in gathering evidence and complying with the principles.
  9. Captivity of disabled wildlife: We do not condone the keeping of disabled wildlife in captivity. However, for centres that already have captive wild-origin animals due to historical reasons or exceptional circumstances, the following conditions must be met:
  10. Written statements: We will provide a written statement for each animal explaining why it is an exception.
  11. Evolution plan: We will have a written policy outlining our plan to transition to a situation where no wild-origin animals are kept. This includes not replacing any historically captive animals when they die.

 

5. Associate membership benefits

  • Use the BWRC Associate Member logo (not the Associate Organisation logo) for the purposes of self-promotion, but not for the promotion of a wider organisation. You may use the logo on any of your media channels, including your personal website.
  • Show your support for the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) and its mission
  • Receive our regular newsletter, filled with updates, insights, and expert advice
  • Gain access to BWRC talks, events, and educational opportunities
  • Stay informed about developments in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation
  • Access to members only area on the BWRC website.

6. Terminating membership

The BWRC reserves the right to revoke or decline the renewal of membership if a Member’s actions bring the organisation into disrepute. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Making public statements that harm BWRC’s reputation.
  • Engaging in unethical or unprofessional conduct.
  • Acting in a manner contrary to BWRC’s values and mission.

Any such decision will be made at the discretion of the BWRC, following a fair and transparent review process.

7. Variation of terms & conditions

These terms and conditions may be revised from time to time. If they are revised, we will post the revised version on the BWRC website and email it to all members. Members will have 30 days to review and accept the revised terms. Continued membership after this period will be deemed acceptance of the changes. Please note that individual membership cannot be changed to Associate Organisation and a separate application for AOM is required in these circumstances.

8. Contact information

For membership inquiries, payments, and cancellations, please contact us at: