The investigation into whether mink farms consciously infected their minks with the corona virus has been stopped. Minister Carola Schouten announced this to the Lower House on Wednesday. There is no evidence showing that there is intentional contamination.
The investigation was initiated due to circulating rumours: if the minks are culled for corona, the breeders would receive more compensation than that would be from the upcoming mandatory end of mink farming in 2023. Members of Parliament (MPs) raised questions to the minister.
The Intelligence and Investigation Service (IOD) conducted the investigation. The IOD falls under the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Schouten announces that in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, they decided to close the investigation.
A total of 69 mink farms had to cull all their minks due to corona infections, 44 of which are in Brabant.
Source: Omroep Brabant
Translator: Shufei
