By Andi Anderson
A new bill is sparking debate about mink farming, disease control, and farm regulations. House Bill 2627, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Mason, proposes licensing mink farms and enforcing biosecurity measures to protect public health.
The bill is supported by groups like the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society. It requires mink farmers to register their locations, report animal numbers, pay annual licensing fees, and conduct regular disease testing. However, many farmers, including Bernice Monteleone of Elgin and industry leaders like Challis Hobbs from Fur Commission USA, believe the bill aims to end mink farming entirely.
Mink farming has a long tradition in states like Iowa, with families like the Monteleones raising thousands of minks since the 1950s. Critics say the bill’s requirements, like weekly virus testing and six-foot animal spacing, are unrealistic for small farms. They argue such measures could force farmers out of business.
Supporters of the bill cite past cases of minks spreading diseases like COVID-19 and bird flu to humans. According to health experts, minks’ respiratory systems are similar to humans, increasing the risk of virus mutations. Though the CDC reports the current risk is low, officials warn of potential pandemic threats from animal-to-human transmission.
Opponents also worry that disclosing farm locations may attract anti-fur activists, endangering animals and farmers. “As of today, just over 96% of the mink pelts produced in the U.S. comes from these certified farms,” said Hobbs.
While the bill didn't pass the Illinois House before the April deadline, it has stirred discussion about balancing health safety and farm livelihoods. Farmers in Iowa and beyond are watching closely, as similar debates may arise in their states.
The future of mink farming now depends on finding common ground between public health goals and agricultural sustainability.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy