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Mink VIRUS Act

USA118th CongressHR-3783| House 
| Updated: 7/10/2023
Adriano Espaillat

Adriano Espaillat

Democratic Representative

New York

Cosponsors (8)
Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Anthony D'Esposito (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act or the Mink VIRUS Act This bill prohibits the farming of mink for their fur beginning one year after the bill's enactment and establishes a compensation program. Beginning 90 days after the bill's enactment, any termination of farmed mink must be done in a manner that (1) meets the definition of euthanasia specified in Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations (i.e., the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that produces rapid unconsciousness and subsequent death without evidence of pain or distress, or that utilizes anesthesia that causes painless loss of consciousness and subsequent death); and (2) is classified as acceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. This prohibition and these requirements do not preempt or limit any state law or regulation that is more restrictive. Further, any person in violation of this prohibition or these requirements is subject to civil penalties. The bill also directs USDA to establish a payment program to compensate fur farm owners whose operations involve the farming of mink. Under the program, USDA must provide payments for (1) the reasonable costs incurred to comply with this bill, and (2) the market value of the portion of the farm involving mink farming (exclusive of the land). Fur farm owners may not use payment funds for any materials, supplies, labor costs, or activities associated with fur farm operations. Further, the owner must provide USDA with a permanent property easement that prohibits the operation of any fur farm on the easement area.
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Timeline
Jun 1, 2023
Introduced in House
Jun 1, 2023
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jul 10, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
  • June 1, 2023
    Introduced in House


  • June 1, 2023
    Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • July 10, 2023
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Agriculture and Food

Animal and plant healthAnimal protection and human-animal relationshipsCardiovascular and respiratory healthCivil actions and liabilityInfectious and parasitic diseasesMammalsVeterinary medicine and animal diseases

Mink VIRUS Act

USA118th CongressHR-3783| House 
| Updated: 7/10/2023
Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act or the Mink VIRUS Act This bill prohibits the farming of mink for their fur beginning one year after the bill's enactment and establishes a compensation program. Beginning 90 days after the bill's enactment, any termination of farmed mink must be done in a manner that (1) meets the definition of euthanasia specified in Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations (i.e., the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that produces rapid unconsciousness and subsequent death without evidence of pain or distress, or that utilizes anesthesia that causes painless loss of consciousness and subsequent death); and (2) is classified as acceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. This prohibition and these requirements do not preempt or limit any state law or regulation that is more restrictive. Further, any person in violation of this prohibition or these requirements is subject to civil penalties. The bill also directs USDA to establish a payment program to compensate fur farm owners whose operations involve the farming of mink. Under the program, USDA must provide payments for (1) the reasonable costs incurred to comply with this bill, and (2) the market value of the portion of the farm involving mink farming (exclusive of the land). Fur farm owners may not use payment funds for any materials, supplies, labor costs, or activities associated with fur farm operations. Further, the owner must provide USDA with a permanent property easement that prohibits the operation of any fur farm on the easement area.
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Timeline
Jun 1, 2023
Introduced in House
Jun 1, 2023
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jul 10, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
  • June 1, 2023
    Introduced in House


  • June 1, 2023
    Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • July 10, 2023
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Adriano Espaillat

Adriano Espaillat

Democratic Representative

New York

Cosponsors (8)
Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Anthony D'Esposito (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee

Agriculture and Food

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Animal and plant healthAnimal protection and human-animal relationshipsCardiovascular and respiratory healthCivil actions and liabilityInfectious and parasitic diseasesMammalsVeterinary medicine and animal diseases