Mink farmer declares 'total loss' after animals released

A mink farmer in Mosfellsdalur, Iceland, has declared a "total loss" after unidentified individuals released the majority of his animals, destroying generations of carefully bred lineage. Ásgeir Pétursson, owner of Dalsbúið farm, described the incident as a devastating blow to his livelihood and the future of his operation.

“

The animals that we didn't catch easily, the decision was made to euthanize them all.

"The animals that we didn't catch easily, the decision was made to euthanize them all," Pétursson told mbl.is. He explained that the released mink, now scattered and intermingled, have lost their documented ancestry. This mixing of animals that were not previously housed together makes controlled breeding impossible, as their lineage and genetic history are now unknown. "You don't know what animals these are. You only know the color of it. You don't know how old it is and you don't know anything about their lineage," he lamented.

“

The animals were put together in cages that they had not previously been in together. That is our loss. And we see no end to it. So, no animal has a pedigree anymore. So from my perspective, this is a total loss.

The farmer expressed deep concern about the potential spread of plasmacytosis, a disease that could wipe out the remaining herd if the mink come into contact with wild animals. To mitigate this risk and prevent further disease transmission, authorities decided to euthanize all mink that could not be immediately recaptured. Three crates are reportedly filled with euthanized mink awaiting disposal.

“

You don't know what animals these are. You only know the color of it. You don't know how old it is and you don't know anything about their lineage.

Pétursson noted that while some mink remain within the farm's enclosure, they have not been seen in traps outside the fence in recent days. This aligns with information from the operation's command center, suggesting the immediate threat of escape has been somewhat contained. However, the economic and genetic damage to the farm is irreparable, leaving the farmer facing an uncertain future.

“

If they have come into contact with wild animals in nature, then we could be at risk of getting a disease called plasmacytosis, and then of course, that's the end for that farm.