Us Congress House Bill HB2185

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Refer: 4/18/25

Caption

Mink VIRUS Act Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for the humane termination of mink and mandates that such processes adhere to recognized standards for euthanasia as outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It introduces penalties for non-compliance, setting fines of up to $10,000 for ongoing operations post-deadline and for improper termination methods. The intent behind these provisions is to ensure that animal welfare is maintained throughout the transition phase while also addressing the public health risks posed by the mink farming industry.

Summary

House Bill 2185, known as the Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act or the Mink VIRUS Act, aims to prohibit the farming of mink for their fur. This legislation is prompted by public health concerns regarding mink farming practices and the potential transmission of diseases from these animals to humans. The bill outlines clear steps for cessation of operations in mink farming, mandating that all fur farms must stop breeding and utilizing mink within a specified timeframe after the bill's enactment.

Contention

One significant point of contention surrounding HB2185 revolves around the economic impact on mink farmers, who may face substantial financial losses due to the industry's sudden shutdown. To mitigate these impacts, the bill includes a compensation program overseen by the Secretary of Agriculture, which allocates funding to assist fur farm owners during the transition. Despite these provisions, some stakeholders remain concerned about the adequacy of the compensation and the potential challenges farmers may encounter in shifting to alternative livelihoods.

Congress_id

119-HR-2185

Introduced_date

2025-03-18