Mink VIRUS Act

This bill would phase out mink farming in the United States. It bans mink farming one year after the law takes effect, and requires any remaining mink to be put down using humane methods defined by federal rules and veterinary guidelines starting 90 days after enactment. States can set stricter rules than this bill if they choose.

It sets fines for breaking the rules: up to $10,000 for each day a farm keeps operating after the deadline, and up to $10,000 for each mink put down in a non‑approved way. The Department of Agriculture must create a payment program to help mink farmers exit the business. Payments cover reasonable costs to comply and the market value of the mink‑farming part of the operation (not the land). To get funds, owners can’t use them to run a fur farm and must grant a permanent easement that bans future fur farming on the property. The program must start within 180 days, and $100 million is provided to run it, available within 60 days of enactment .

• Who is affected: Mink fur farmers and their workers; nearby communities; animal welfare and public health officials.
• What changes: Mink farming is banned; humane methods are required for ending operations; strong fines apply; a federal payout helps farmers transition and requires a permanent no–fur‑farm easement on the property .
• When: Humane methods required starting 90 days after enactment; mink farming ends 1 year after enactment; the payment program must be set up within 180 days; $100 million is transferred within 60 days .