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.

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.

Strains and Stocks



Physiology

Please find details of Ferret physiology within the WikiNormals section. Physiological information available includes “General”, “Biochemical”, “Haematological” and “Breed” parameters.

Anatomy and Histology

This section has been included to allow familiarisation with the peculiarities of ferret anatomy to provide a context for some of the disease and pathological headings found below. Therefore only anatomical areas with specific features warranting emphasis have been included below;

Reproductive System

Urinary System

Respiratory System

Digestive System

Diseases

For ease of use, the diseases of ferrets listed below are by body system, or where this is not appropriate in an “Other” category displayed after the body system sections. Those diseases listed below are not exhaustive but rather highlight common diseases encountered with laboratory ferrets.

Integument System

Dermatitis

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

Mange

Lice

Other Mite Infestations

Fly Strike

Alopecia

Liver Disease

Abscesses

Reproductive System

Pseudopregnancy

Pregnancy toxaemia

Hypocalcemia (Eclampsia)

Miscarriage and Abortion

Toxoplasmosis

Mastitis

Preputial infections

Urinary System

Polydipsia

Polyuria

Haematuria

Acute Renal Failure

Chronic Renal Failure

Diabetes

Respiratory System

Epistaxis

Nasal Discharge

Pneumonia

Adenovirus

Digestive System

Cytomegalovirus (Salivary Gland Virus)

Infectious Causes of Diarrhoea

Parasitic Causes of Diarrhoea

Musculoskeletal System

Pododermatitis

Osteoporosis

Metastatic Calcification

Scurvy



Osteoarthritis

Osteosarcoma

Other

Micropthalmia

Conjunctivitis


Middle Ear Disease

Cleft Palate

Cervical Lymphadenitis


Wry Neck

Epilepsy

Cerebellar Disease

Heatstroke