Pododermatitis in farmed mink in Canada

In 1996, a new skin disease affecting the feet of farmed mink in eastern and central Canada was observed, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8% to 69% across different farms. The condition, which affected males more frequently, was associated with feeding harp seal meat. Symptoms included alopecia, swollen pads, hyperkeratosis, and ulcers. Bacterial cultures showed a predominance of 'Staphylococcus intermedius', but virus isolation was negative, and only 1 out of 42 mink sera contained antibodies against calicivirus. The study suggested that an unidentified infectious agent, along with secondary bacterial infection, was responsible for the pododermatitis.