The BC SPCA is calling for the immediate suspension of all mink farm licenses, after eight workers on a Fraser Valley fur farm tested positive for COVID-19 and hundreds of animals there have died from the virus.

The BCSPCA says a moratorium is needed to reduce the risk of further disease spread, including the risk to wild animals and domestic pets.

Studies in Denmark show the COVID-19 virus mutated in mink, causing concern among epidemiologists, who say vaccines may not be effective if the virus mutates too much. This week, a wild mink near a farm in Utah tested positive for the virus and cats near farms in Denmark have also tested positive.

There are 13 mink farms in British Columbia with 100,000 animals. More than 200 mink on the affected farm in Abbotsford died from COVID-19 as of Dec. 8, just two days after the outbreak was declared among farm workers. There are 15,000 mink on that farm, all kept in small cages, side by side.

BCSPCA Policy Analyst Geoff Urton says it's likely hundreds more animals have died over the past week. He says allowing such farms to continue operating is cruel and a recipe for disaster.

Here's Geoff Urton:

The animal welfare organization has written to B.C.’s Chief Veterinary Officer, asking her to use her authority to withdraw the mink farm licenses under the provincial Animal Health Act.

The BC SPCA also has a petition on its website and is encouraging all Canadians to add their names to the protest.