Millions of mink that were culled because of a mutated form of coronavirus will be exhumed and burnt in Denmark over contamination fears.
The Danish government confirmed about four million mink will be dug up from mass graves and incinerated to prevent pollution.
Residents have complained about the potential risk of contamination the animals could pose.
They are particularly worried the graves could be dangerous for drinking water and could contaminate a nearby bathing lake.
The ministry of food and agriculture confirmed the government had gained support in parliament to exhume and burn the mink next year.
Officials plan to carry out the operation in May, when it is believed the risk of contamination from the dead animals will have passed.
The ministry said: "Once the mink are no longer contaminated with Covid-19, they will be transported to an incineration facility, where they'll be burned as commercial waste."
More than 15 million mink were culled in Denmark last month - both those which had contracted the mutated form of coronavirus and those who were virus-free.
It comes as today Danish politicians passed a law to ban mink breeding until 2022.
Likely to be one of the last farmers in Denmark with mink on his farm, Erik Vammen initially defied the government's calls for a nationwide cull, but now faces no other option than to put down his remaining 5,000 virus-free mink.
"I will comply with the law, as I've always done", Vammen told Reuters, adding that he'll wait until the last moment to cull his mink.
"I'm keeping my head high."
The 62-year old farmer said it is likely he'll pick up mink breeding again when the temporary ban subsides in 2022.
The new law, which bans mink breeding by January 15, also outlines some compensation for farmers, but lawmakers have yet to finalise exact measures.
