ProposalS for Additional Development
Chlorine Dioxide
Infection Prevention
and Potential Treatments
for COVID-19 for
Minks & People
with Links to
Mink in several countries have been infected with COVID-19. Millions have been slaughtered to reduce concerns.
Minks are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because they have a high number of ACE2 receptors similar to humans' in their lungs.
Many animals commonly used for lab tests are resistant to COVID-19, reducing opportunities to test treatments.
"Why Are So Many Minks Dying Of Covid-19?"
"Mice can't catch COVID-19, so a UA lab is making new kind of mouse"
Chlorine Dioxide, a compound disinfectant that "oxidizes" rather than chlorinates, has been found to decrease
SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 in cells of the body.
Chlorine Dioxide is already used at dairy, poultry, fur, and pig farms to treat water and disinfect premises.
Chlorine Dioxide has been misted in the air over poultry, mink and mice and their housing, to help reduce and treat disease.
Fogging Treatment for Mink, Cages and Sheds
Chlorine Dioxide has been used as a disinfectant in the air around people, including in schools and medical centers.
Studies have demonstrated that using airborne
Chlorine Dioxide at low levels significantly reduces viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces where it lands.
Click to view
Chlorine Dioxide slow-release granules could also be evaluated for use in mink nest boxes in tiny amounts in non-contact areas, such as in small drilled holes.
Because of its selective action, Chlorine Dioxide still maintains comparatively high effectiveness around organic matter.
Some SLOW-RELEASE type "deodorizers" emit Chlorine Dioxide at levels that destroy many pathogens but are safe for humans and animals, so can be used in some occupied areas.
An ultrasonic mister or humidifier can serve as a treatment route for some respiratory illnesses in mink, as well as people
Nebulization is being explored as a route for treatment for COVID-19 in people
Immersion of live minks in Chlorine Dioxide solution has been used to successfully destroy another, more-resistant virus (mADV) in minks' coats, without harm to the animals.
Dip Treatment for Virus in Mink
"Elimination of Pathogenic Infection in Farmed Animal Populations"
Carrier cage was partially submerged in 500 ppm Oxine chlorine dioxide in 5-gallon bucket and mink allowed to swim. Air temperature was 5 Celsius.
Chlorine Dioxide dip may have value in reducing infection among mink or in making MINK FUR PELTS that are contaminated with coronavirus and the pelting process safer for people.
At very low concentrations, Chlorine Dioxide's unique chemistry makes it highly effective against pathogens, while having little impact on cells of the body.
Chlorine Dioxide offers compelling opportunities for use against SARS-CoV-2 by humans as well,
as an airborne disinfectant for occupied areas. Mouth rinse and nasal flush can be further tested,
and nebulization can be explored.
Agency Approvals
Several Chlorine Dioxide and Sodium Chlorite products are included on EPA's List N of Disinfectants for Coronavirus.
Three are registered as safe to breathe.
View EPA's general guidelines for Chlorine Dioxide products (currently undergoing revision).
Concentrations of Chlorine Dioxide in air
are approved by advisory and regulatory agencies at 0.1 - 0.3 ppm.
It significantly disinfects aerosols and surfaces at concentrations below those levels.
In vitro tests have found Chlorine Dioxide to have rapid effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, in a mouth rinse product that is safe for contact with the body
SINGULAR OPPORTUNITY
Work with minks can provide ideal, immediate ability to expand useful Chlorine Dioxide applications to fight the pandemic.
COVID-19 infects humans and minks through similar pathways and modes of action. Evaluation of prevention and treatment methods in minks could be expected to be useful in predicting results in people.
Treatment of COVID-19 sickness
Chlorine Dioxide has been used in the air to help reduce disease in animals, and can be tested against COVID-19 infections. Success with minks would be a strong indicator that Chlorine Dioxide may provide a practical treatment for coronavirus.
Reducing contagion among individuals
Studies in schools and medical centers have proven airborne chlorine dioxide substantially reduces infectious particles both in air and on surfaces even when used at levels low enough for people to breathe. Mink nest boxes or shed areas could also be adapted so that optimal airborne distribution methods could be studied.
Airborne and other applications with Chlorine Dioxide offer novel ways to potentially control contagion among minks, as well as people in workplaces, schools and shared households, and possibly to also treat COVID-19.
In this unique time, cooperative work and information-sharing among researchers, medical professionals and government organizations have the potential to pivotally advance methods for widespread benefit.
