Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, 1870, Frederiksberg C., Denmark.
Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark.
Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19440. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69902-6.
In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment. Additionally, we evaluated carcasses for decay status, cadaverine content, and the presence of various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus. Our findings revealed minimal microbial activity and limited carcass decomposition. Although viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus, along with DNA from Aleutian mink disease virus, were detected, the absence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays suggests slow natural degradation processes. This study provides critical insights for future considerations in managing mass burial scenarios during outbreaks of livestock-associated zoonotic pathogens.
2020 年，由于 SARS-CoV-2 广泛感染，丹麦在大量石灰处理的万人坑中掩埋了大约 400 万只被扑杀的养殖水貂。六个月后，出于环境方面的考虑，这些尸体被挖掘出来。我们的分析包括对坟墓环境进行肉眼检查、土壤 pH 值测量和气体排放评估。此外，我们还评估了尸体的腐烂状况、尸胺含量以及各种病原体（包括 SARS-CoV-2 和水貂冠状病毒）的存在情况。我们的研究结果表明，微生物活动和尸体分解有限。尽管从 SARS-CoV-2 和水貂冠状病毒中检测到了病毒 RNA，以及从阿留申病病毒中检测到了 DNA，但细胞培养实验中未检测到传染性 SARS-CoV-2，这表明存在缓慢的自然降解过程。这项研究为未来在爆发与牲畜相关的人畜共患病原体时管理大规模埋葬情况提供了重要的参考。
