First finding of Streptococcus phocae infections in mink (Neovison vison)

Streptococcus phocae infection has been described in salmon, sea otters, and several families of pinnipeds. The pathology the infected animals mainly located respiratory tract reproductive system, with indications septicemia. In this study, we report finding S. diagnostic material from three unrelated cases farmed mink. Since initially pinnipeds, two isolates wild harbor seals were included. All originated Denmark. To our knowledge, is first (three mink, seals) necropsied, samples collected for bacteriology, virology, histopathology. Additionally, whole genome sequenced compared to sequences previously reported other host species. was isolated lungs one mink seal bacteremia, pneumonia. remaining had dermal infections on paws lesions. analysis sequence data showed that isolate closely related. Further investigation needed conclude whether establishing as commensal uncover related an emerging pathogen species, therefore future awareness surveillance crucial.