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Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the United States

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Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the United States Fur Commission USA Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the United States Updated 2014 Fur Commission USA P.O. Box 1532 Medford Oregon 97501 Phone: 541-595-8568 Fax: 541-566-7489 www.furcommission.com TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Definition …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Section 1: Management …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Section 2: Accommodation …………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 2.1 Site ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 2.2 Sheds ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 2.3 Pens …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 2.4 Nesters ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Section 3: Food and Water …………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 3.1 Nutrition ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 3.2 Feed Preparation ………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 3.3 Feed Distribution ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9 3.4 Watering Systems ……………………………………………………………………………………... 9 Section 4: Health …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 Section 5: Environmental Quality ………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 5.1 Sanitation ……………………………………………………………………………………………... 10 5.2 Water Quality ………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Section 6: Transportation of Live Mink ……………………………………………………………………………. 11 Section 7: Euthanasia ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12 7.1 Carbon Monoxide ……………………………………………………………………………………... 13 7.2 Carbon Dioxide ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 Appendix I: Certification Inspection Form—SAMPLE ……………………………………………………………. 14 Appendix II: Certification Application ..………………………………………………………………………….… 16 Appendix III: Conditional Certification ...……...…………………………………………………………………... 18 Appendix IV: Independent Endorsements .…………………………………………………………………………. 18 Biosecurity Protocols for the Operation of Mink Farms in the United …………………………………….………. 19 2 Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the Untied States PREFACE Domestication and artificial selection of livestock have made farm animals dependent on humans. This dependence has made it incumbent upon humans to practice responsible stewardship in the treatment of animals under our care. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has defined animal welfare as “... a human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well- being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia.” Since, ultimately, all livestock will be humanely euthanized at the hands of man, it is crucial that farmers recognize and meet this responsibility in an educated and caring manner. These animal care Guidelines represent an important step toward fulfilling that responsibility. These Guidelines, also referred to as “best management practices,” or “approved management practices,” are intended to be used by the mink farmers and veterinarians in the field, scientists, and animal welfare organizations as an educational tool in the promotion of sound animal husbandry and responsible animal welfare practices. The recommendations do not claim to be comprehensive for all circumstances but attempt to define high standards of mink production and well-being in commercial, research, educational and other farm operations. They can also serve as a benchmark by which farm operators can compare and improve their own managerial practices. It should be understood that new scientific discoveries, improved technologies and changing economic conditions may lead to revision of these Guidelines from time to time. DEFINITION In its wild state the American mink (Neovison vison) is a small, brown, fur-bearing animal, a member of the weasel family, rarely exceeding 1,350 grams (3 pounds) of body weight. Wild mink are fierce, solitary carnivores with an average life span in the wild of less than 2 years at the most, with most failing to survive the first six months as they succumb to predators, disease or malnutrition. American mink are native only to North America and vary in size, fur quality and appearance in different geographical locations, giving rise to a number of subspecies. On the farm, domesticated mink can over weigh 3,600 grams (8 pounds) and survivability rates have skyrocketed to almost 100%, as the vast majority of the mink, protected from disease and predation, thrive under the farmer’s care. Mink have been raised on U.S. farms since 1866, with the first farms being in upstate New York. The three main subspecies that contributed their gene pool to farmed mink were Neovison vison vison (Quebec, Eastern Labrador and Nova Scotia), Neovison vison ingens (Alaska), and Neovison vison melampeplus (Kenai). Today, it is impossible to differentiate the farmed mink according to the original wild subspecies, so they are generally called descendents of Neovison vison and commonly known as domesticated or farm-raised mink. Several desirable subspecies have been 3 Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the Untied States combined and bred selectively for desirable traits such as docility, size, coat specialty and color, fecundity, mothering ability and best growth and survival of offspring. This, combined with good nutrition and comfortable housing, has resulted in a much larger animal, often doubling the mass of the wild mink, and of a much quieter temperament. In the course of more than a hundred generations, many natural color phases have occurred, and the desirable ones have been established as separate and genetically stable types. In this document, “mink” refers to the farm-raised variety and not its wild counterpart. Where special provisions for young animals (up to weaning) apply, the word kit has been used. Juvenile (or growing mink) refers to mink under 1 year, between weaning and pelting. INTRODUCTION In 1985, the Fur Farm Animal Welfare Coalition published the nation’s first set of operating Guidelines for the benefit of domestic mink and fox producers in the United States. The Guidelines were designed to assist farmers in assuring a humane environment for the animals under their care. They were prepared by leaders in the U.S. fur farming industry, including professionals in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal nutrition, and the farmers themselves. The Humane Care Merit Award Program has won wide acceptance in the U.S. fur farm industry. By 1990, more than 95% of American mink production came from farms which met these standards and passed inspection by an independent veterinarian. This extraordinary level of voluntary participation reflects the conscientious commitment of American fur farmers to the highest standards of humane animal care. In 1994, fur farming leaders undertook a comprehensive update and revision of the industry’s humane care Guidelines, creating separate Guidelines for mink and fox. The results of that process are presented in this booklet which focuses on mink and is published by the Animal Welfare Committee of Fur Commission USA. Fox farming Guidelines are published by the U.S. Fox Shippers’ Council. Since 1994, the mink Guidelines have been reviewed and modified numerous times and it is a document that is continuously under review, reflecting changes in animal science. We are proud to submit these Guidelines to U.S. mink farmers, and commend you for your continued commitment to excellence in farm management and dedication to the principles of responsible animal stewardship. The Board of Directors Fur Commission USA Animal Welfare Committee Ryan Holt, Chair 4 Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Mink Farms in the Untied States SECTION 1: MANAGEMENT The humane raising of mink is entirely dependent upon the skills, training and integrity of mink farmers. Prior to placing mink on a commercial mink farm, farmers must: 1.1. Have acquired a thorough knowledge of the natural life cycle of domestic mink and must be knowledgeable of normal mink behavior, including breeding cycles, whelping behavior, proper weaning and separation procedures, growing and furring periods. 1.2. Have a working knowledge of the nutritional needs of mink throughout their life cycle. 1.3. Have adequate facilities and financial resources to supply and maintain proper housing, and a reliable source of feed and water, proper vaccination procedures, treatment of injured or sick mink, and any other appropriate measures necessary to ensure the welfare of the mink. 1.4. Assume complete and total responsibility for the welfare of their animals, which includes developing the skills of observation and a sensitivity for the animals, as well as ensuring that all employees and attendants on the farm are competent, properly trained individuals who have a genuine concern for the welfare of the mink. SECTION 2: ACCOMMODATION 2.1 SITE A mink farm’s location must be carefully selected. Due consideration must be given to local environmental conditions, foreseeable neighborhood development and subsequent development of the farm. 2.1.1. Farmers are responsible for the safe and efficient disposal, reuse and/or recycling of any “waste” material in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Since the sheds are enclosed, there is generally no runoff from inside the sheds, however, runoff during heavy rains can be eliminated by proper siting and use of berms and drains on the farm. Adherence to high standards is vital in preventing impairment or pollution of neighboring streams, rivers, or ground water. Since environmental laws are subject
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