Statement of Work.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW) for Pathogenesis and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in mink

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work

This study is important to human health, because mink can amplify/spread the virus to other mink and back to humans (reverse zoonosis). Therefore, new mutations could be introduced into the virus during replication in mink and effect the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. This study is important to mink health because infection can be fatal, so a better understanding of infection dynamics and transmission can help shape prevention and control measures for the industry.

2.0 Background

The only way to study infection dynamics and the ability of virus to spread between mink is to inoculate animals. There is no functional in vitro or computer modeling that can replace host/pathogen studies for determining the pathogenesis and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in mink. With the recent spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe and the documentation of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks on mink farms in multiple countries, it is important to understand the role mink may serve in amplifying and/or spreading the virus to other mink and human caregivers in regular close contact

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements for this purchase include:

• Breed – must be American Mink to allow direct comparison across planned related studies.

• Age – 0-4 years old

• Sex – either male or female are acceptable

• Quantity – 30 of similar age and size

• Animals should NOT receive any vaccinations for SARS-Cov-2

• Pre-purchase testing is required to confirm animals have no antibodies for SARS-

Cov-2

• Vaccinated with Distemper and Pneumonia Botulism

• Mink shall demonstrate no signs of clinical illness

• Mink shall have sound legs and good eyes.

• Mink shall be sourced from the same farm.

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection Required on all animals

• Animal shall be deliverable onsite at USDA no later than January 3rd, 2022

• Delivery of all animals in 1 shipment to Ames in one temperature-controlled vehicle

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

4.0 Evaluation Factors: Lowest price, technical acceptable.

5.0 Place of Delivery: USDA, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

6.0 Technical Point of Contact: Denise Chapman: 515-337-7227, denise.chapman@usda.gov.

mailto:denise.chapman@usda.gov

GENERAL INFORMATION