− | Ferrets (''Mustela putorius furo'') are thought to have been dometicated for over 2000 years and are descended from the wild European Polecat. Ferrets are often utilised in a laboratory setting as they are known to share many anatomical, metabolic and physiological features with humans. Therefore ferrets are often utilised in studies covering a broad subject matter including cardio-pulmonary, neurological and gastrointestinal research areas/ | + | Ferrets (''Mustela putorius furo'') are thought to have been dometicated for over 2000 years and are descended from the wild European Polecat. Ferrets are often utilised in a laboratory setting as they are known to share many anatomical, metabolic and physiological features with humans. Therefore ferrets are often utilised in studies covering a broad subject matter including cardio-pulmonary, neurological and gastrointestinal research areas. Ferrets have been used as a model for studies into ischemia and ion exchange in the heart, influenza, neurological injury and gastric infections. |