Dont ComplyProPublica reports that bird flu has spread uncontrolled for more than two months at C&T Fenn Farms, a mink fur farm west of Provo, Utah. According to state records obtained under public records law, Utah agriculture officials learned of the outbreak in mid-August. ProPublica reports the state did not order the mink killed, as other countries have done, and a fur trade representative warned that doing so would harm the industry. State veterinarian Amanda Price said there are few options beyond waiting and seeing, and described the outbreak as devastating for the farm's owner. ProPublica reports officials also declined to monitor workers, despite CDC guidance, under a 2025 agreement. Flu experts quoted by ProPublica called the response irresponsible. A USDA spokesperson said the agency was more involved in 2020 because of COVID-19's transmission potential.
Why it matters
ProPublica reports experts warn that uncontrolled spread in mink could give bird flu a path to humans, and that no federal rules govern sick mink. The reporting also raises questions about whether state agriculture interests are limiting public health monitoring.
These are unproven claims, and everyone named is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.