MINKS are Superspreaders Act

H.R. 6513, the MINKS are Superspreaders Act, would amend federal law to prohibit the breeding, possession, sale, and transportation of American mink raised in captivity for fur production. The bill includes exceptions for research facilities, zoos, and wild mink. If enacted, the legislation would effectively end mink farming in the United States, an industry that currently operates approximately 50 farms.

Proponents argue the bill addresses two main concerns: public health and animal welfare. Supporters cite evidence that mink farms have experienced COVID-19 outbreaks and can transmit mutated forms of the virus back to humans. More recently, mink have shown susceptibility to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), raising additional disease transmission concerns. The bill would also authorize a voluntary federal buyout program to help remaining mink farm operators transition out of the industry.

The mink farming industry in the United States has been in steep decline for decades, with production dropping from 6.2 million animals in 1966 to fewer than 1 million today. Most U.S. mink pelts are exported to China, as domestic demand has largely disappeared. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Agriculture and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.