COPHENHAGEN, Denmark

A mutated version of the novel coronavirus that was detected in mink farms in Denmark has likely been eradicated, the Danish Health Ministry said Thursday.

According to the ministry, cases of the mutated virus, named Cluster-5, have not been detected in the country since Sept. 15 and that authorities consider the virus most likely eradicated.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued an order to mink farmers to cull millions of the animals valued for their expensive fur, but found that she might not have the votes necessary to pass the emergency legislation through parliament.

Under the planned cull, some 17 million animals were to be gassed, burned, or thrown into mass graves due to fears that a COVID-19 mutation that started in Danish mink farms might hinder a vaccine's development.

*Writing and contribution by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak