Denmark will cull 17 million mink over fears the ferret-like animals are passing on a mutated strain of coronavirus to humans.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the drastic move on Wednesday as the death toll from Europe's second wave climbed sharply in some hard-hit countries.

Frederiksen - who is self-isolating after a close contact recently tested positive - said authorities had detected virus strains in humans and mink which showed decreased sensitivity against antibodies.


She ordered the national cull with a "heavy heart" but said mutations in the animals were a threat to the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines in development around the globe.

"The mutated virus - via mink - can carry the risk that the upcoming vaccine will not work as it should," Frederiksen said in a press conference.

"We have a great responsibility towards our own population, but with the mutation that has now been found, we have an even greater responsibility for the rest of the world as well."

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