Denmark Planned To Kill 17 Million Minks To Curb Covid-19 Spread, A Sign of Human Superiority Or Inferiority?

It’s not new that coronavirus can transmit from animals to humans. Allegedly first existing in bats, Covid-19 has been found on a number of animals such as cats and dogs. The latest report from Danish scientists also indicates 5 different mutations of the virus on minks here.

What makes researchers worried more is the ability of cluster 5 to reduce sensitivity to antibody then jeopardize the development of coronavirus vaccines. In fact, the presence of any coronavirus mutation may turn the vaccine ineffective.

That’s not to mention the probability minks can become a contagion community easily due to their close distance to each other. When these mammals are packed together, they are a very good host that facilitates the evolution of coronavirus.

From these alarming facts, the Denmark government once considered killing its 17 million mink population to prevent the spread of this deadly coronavirus mutation from minks to human bodies.

However, after the plan was announced by Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, lurking doubts start to emerge. People are skeptical whether the cull is properly based on scientific research or just the last resort of fears.

Mr. Frederik Waage, a law professor at the University of Southern Denmark, also asserts that the cull order from the Denmark government is clearly illegal.

In fact, Denmark’s health agency hasn’t found any evidence of another mutated strain for over a month, refuting the claim that coronavirus can evolve in mink bodies. There aren’t any empirical reports that can measure the danger of the mentioned mutation either.

Reacting to the cull order, though most people do not expect it to happen in the country, they reluctantly agree that it’s the safest option for now.

Some feel relieved when covid-19 mutate in minks but not on food animals. They think the danger from minks to public health and welfare issues could be solved by shutting down mink farms. Culling animals might be considered if it jeopardizes vaccine development. Anyway, mink is just a tiny sector that they could live without.

What makes them not ready for the cull is just the lack of other options and exact scientific evidence.

Observing the fact, many wonder if this is a sign of human superiority or inferiority to Mother Nature. We consider ourselves superior when deciding the lives of 17 million minks within an eye blink. However, it’s also the indicator of human’s inferior status to their natural enemy, Covid-19. No alternatives, no cues, we laymen resort to an unsure option to protect ourselves from nature revenge.

Whatever it is, it’s a reminder for the entire human race to reflect on what we have done and will do to the Earth's ecosystems.

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