The news follows COVID-19 outbreaks on slew of mink fur farms across the globe. Reports now suggest the COVID-19 variant found on a Danish mink fur farm could spark a new coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Joanna Swabe is the senior director of public affairs for Humane SocietyInternational/Europe.

In a statement sent to Plant Based News she ‘applaued’ the Hungarian government for enacting the ban.

Swabe said: “Although these species are not currently farmed for fur in the country… This ban is more than just symbol politics. There’s a very real and present danger that fur farmers from elsewhere in Europe may attempt to move their operations to Hungary.

“This is a precautionary measure that shuts the door to that happening. [It] is a good outcome for human health and animal welfare.”

Moreover, Swabe points out the ban ‘fails’ to include chinchila, who ‘could also be susceptible to viruses’.

She added: “As long as the animal exploitation of fur farming is tolerated, the potential for reservoirs of animal to human pathogens will persist….