Infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in minks has been reported in 2020 and it has been established that human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission can occur. Infections in minks with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported in certain Member States and third countries. Furthermore, a Member State reported human COVID-19 cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus variants related to mink. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of December 2020 indicate that raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.

On 12 November 2020, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published a Rapid Risk Assessment on the detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants related to mink.

The ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment concluded that the overall level of risk to human health posed by SARS-CoV-2 mink-related variants can be determined as ranging from low for the general population up to very high for medically vulnerable individuals with occupational exposure. The Rapid Risk Assessment also indicated that further investigations are needed to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 mink-related variants may have any impact on the risk of reinfection, reduced vaccine efficacy or reduced benefit from treatment.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) issued on 12 November 2020 a statement on COVID-19 and mink, indicating that the risk of susceptible animals, such as mink, becoming a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir generates worldwide concern, as any spill over to humans could have public health implications.

Raccoon dogs are considered susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the OIE has called on countries to monitor susceptible animals for SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as mink and raccoon dogs, adopting a One Health approach.

In accordance with Directive 2003/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council3, Member States are to ensure that data on the occurrence of zoonoses and zoonotic agents are collected.

In accordance with Article 10(1) of Directive 90/425/EEC, each Member State is to immediately notify other Member States and the Commission of outbreaks in its territory, of any zoonoses, diseases or other cause likely to constitute a serious hazard to animals or to human health.

In accordance with Article 9(1) of Directive 89/662/EEC, each Member State is to immediately notify other Member States and the Commission of outbreaks in its territory, of any zoonoses, diseases or other cause likely to constitute a serious hazard to animals or to human health.

In addition to those immediate notification requirements, in order to enable a risk assessment under the One Health approach and to inform and identify possible risk-management options as regards the risks arising from the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 mink-related variants in animals of the family Mustelidae and in raccoon dogs, it is necessary to establish an efficient, harmonised reporting system allowing the exchange of all relevant information without delay.

Given the urgency to assess the risk posed by the epidemiological situation in the Union as regards the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in minks and other animals of the family Mustelidae and in raccoon dogs, Member States should submit to the Commission regular reports on the occurrence of that infection in kept or wild animals of the family Mustelidae and in raccoon dogs. To ensure proper risk communication within the Union, the Commission is to share with the Member States a summary of the information collected. It is appropriate to set out the model report in this Decision structuring the data by outbreak and by species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 virus. This decision should take effect as soon as possible within the legal framework set by Directive 90/425/EEC and Directive 89/662/EEC. The data collected and submitted is subjected to Regulation (EU) 2016/6794 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,