ABSTRACT
In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment. Additionally, we evaluated carcasses for decay status, cadaverine content, and the presence of various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus. Our findings revealed minimal microbial activity and limited carcass decomposition. Although viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus, along with DNA from Aleutian mink disease virus, were detected, the absence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays suggests slow natural degradation processes. This study provides critical insights for future considerations in managing mass burial scenarios during outbreaks of livestock-associated zoonotic pathogens.
Subject(s)
Burial , COVID-19 , Mink , SARS-CoV-2 , Animals , Mink/virology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/virology , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Denmark , Pandemics , Cadaver , Humans , RNA, Viral/genetics , Coronavirus/isolation & purification , Coronavirus/geneticsABSTRACT
Here, we report the genome sequence of Listeria seeligeri 43-1 isolated from a Danish freshwater swamp using Oxford Nanopore sequencing. The isolate shared a high genomic similarity to two other L. seeligeri isolates from soil and water.
ABSTRACT
This paper gives an account of the history of veterinary bacteriology including clinical veterinary bacteriology as well as the area of veterinary public health in Denmark from the 1880s to 2022. We describe key persons, including B. Bang, C.O. Jensen, K.A. Jensen and others who made important contributions to the development of these areas of microbiological expertise, and we discuss how challenges ranging from bovine tuberculosis to bacterial antimicrobial resistance have been met. Further, we describe progress in research on important bacterial pathogens both with regard to animal clinical aspects and zoonotic food-related aspects. Finally, we describe current issues in relation to One Health and research organization.