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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Ferrets (''Mustela putorius furo'') are thought to have been dometicated for over 2000 years and are descended from the wild European Polecat. Despite being domesticated for such a long period, ferrets were only recognised as important in medical research in the 20th century and were only beginning to be used in the 1960s as an important animal model. 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 toxicology, bacteriological and virological studies. Ferrets have also been used as a model for studies into ischemia and ion exchange in the heart, influenza, neurological injury and gastric infections. Ferrets are particularly important in influenza studies as they can be infected with type A and B influenza viruses. According to the US Department of Agriculture Animal Care Report, approximately 17,000 ferrets were used in laboratory studies.  

Ferrets (''Mustela putorius furo'') are thought to have been dometicated for over 2000 years and are descended from the wild European Polecat. Despite being domesticated for such a long period, ferrets were only recognised as important in medical research in the 20th century and were only beginning to be used in the 1960s as an important animal model. 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 toxicology, bacteriological and virological studies. Ferrets have also been used as a model for studies into ischemia and ion exchange in the heart, influenza, neurological injury and gastric infections. Ferrets are particularly important in influenza studies as they can be infected with type A and B influenza viruses. According to the US Department of Agriculture Animal Care Report, approximately 17,000 ferrets were used in laboratory studies.  

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As ferrets are a social, curious and intelligent species, they often require a higher level of husbandry than other species such as hamsters or mice. Laboratory ferrets will require a complex and stimulating environment with enrichments that include tubes and boxes that are able to simulate a burrow. Ferrets have a strong drive to explore and therefore they will investigate all aspects of their enclosure. Enclosures therefore need to be well designed and strong as ferrets will exploit any opportunity to escape.  

As ferrets are a social, curious and intelligent species, they often require a higher level of husbandry than other species such as hamsters or mice. Laboratory ferrets will require a complex and stimulating environment with enrichments that include tubes and boxes that are able to simulate a burrow. Ferrets have a strong drive to explore and therefore they will investigate all aspects of their enclosure. Enclosures therefore need to be well designed and strong as ferrets will exploit any opportunity to escape.