On Friday, April 9, 2021, allFerrets will be hosting a free webinar "The Ferret: A short history and legal status in the United States."

Please join us to learn more about the interesting history of ferrets in the United States and their current legal status.

AGENDA 
Ferrets: an American story and history of their legal status
Speaker:  Dr. F Hoffman, allFerrets® cofounder 

Legal status of the Ferret in California - yesterday and today
Speaker:  Patrick Wright, Legalize Ferrets founder

8 PM Eastern DST/ 5 PM Pacific DST

For more information please see event poster or register at Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ferret-a-short-history-and-legal-status-in-the-united-states-tickets-143450421071

FORT COLLINS, Colorado-The birth of “Elizabeth Ann” on Dec 10, 2020, welcomes the first cloned ferret. She is created from the frozen cells of “Willa,” a black-footed ferret (BFF) who died in 1988, more than 30 years ago. 

DNA from “Willa” was placed into a domestic ferret embryo in a New York laboratory, and then transferred to a domestic surrogate ferret mother at the National Black-Footed Ferret Center near Fort Collins, Colorado.

Elizabeth Ann is the first cloned BFF and first ever cloned endangered species. 

The black footed ferret (putorius nigra) is the only wild ferret species native to North America. BFF's were considered extinct, until a Wyoming rancher's dog found a BFF in 1981.   

At the time the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) captured the remaining population - only 18 ferrets.  Only 7 of these ferrets passed on their genes in the captive endangered species breeding program. Elizabeth Ann adds genetic diversity, increasing that original gene pool by one. 

The first mammal cloned was "Dolly" the sheep in 1996. She was cloned from the mammary gland of a 6-year-old Finn Dorset sheep and an egg cell taken from a Scottish Blackface sheep. 

Elizabeth Ann heralds a new era for endangered species survival. The groundbreaking effort results from the partnership among the US FWS and scientists at Revive & Restore, ViaGen Pets & Equine, San Diego Zoo Global, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The research team is working to produce more BFF clones in the coming months as part of continuing research efforts. 

Elizabeth Ann will be monitored very closely.  Her offspring may not be released into the wild until at least 2026.

Selected Reference(s):

• US Fish & Wildlife video of Elizabeth Ann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcXzRmLcxBE
  
• US FWS - Partnership for BFF Conservation:   https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/2021/02182021-USFWS-and-Partners-Innovative-Genetic-Cloning-Research-Black-footed-Ferret-Conservation.php
  

Jan 30, 2021:  Last October, not the usual flu virus was seen in the mink at two Wisconsin mink farms located in Taylor County. Mink of all ages and fur coat colors stopped eating, followed by coughing, sneezing, tiredness (lethargy), and then labored breathing.

For the next few days hundreds of mink died, in the end, totaling about 5,500 animals.  Within a week, after ranchers thought that most of the mink were going to die, the contagion suddenly stopped.  Veteran mink expert, Hugh Hildebrandt stated:  “... the next morning.....it’s just stopped. They all start eating. They eat more than they ever did before.”

Ferrets are fur-bearing mammals. Ferrets can handle cooler temperatures better than warm weather.  Even so if your ferret is usually housed indoors, their undercoats will be thinner in Winter, than those of ferrets that live outdoors all year round.

Although your pet ferrets have fun playing in the snow, they must be protected from over exposure to the cold which can result in “hypothermia.” 

What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature. It occurs when your ferret rapidly loses body temperature due to the sudden and extreme cold.   
  
Signs of hypothermia: 

• Redness of the extremities (paws, nose, tail and ears) = “frostbite”*
• Whitened skin and discomfort
• Weakness
• Shivering
• Muscle Stiffness
• Low heart and respiratory rates and difficulty breathing
• Fixed and dilated pupils, stupor, coma 

If you notice any discoloration of your ferret’s skin or limbs, bring your ferret to the veterinarian  IMMEDIATELY.

What is "frostbite":
“Frostbite” is caused by injury to the skin due to cold temperatures.   As frostbitten tissues thaw, they may become red and very painful due to inflammation.

In animals changes due to frostbite can take days to appear, especially if the affected area is small or on non-weight bearing areas, such as the tip of the tail or ears.
                 
Signs of “frostbite:”

• discoloration of the affected area of skin, which is often pale, gray, or bluish.
• coldness and/or brittleness of the area when touched.
• pain when you touch the body part(s).
• swelling of the affected area(s).
• blisters or skin ulcers.

Indoor Ferrets
In the United States and Canada, most ferrets are kept indoors.  If so, there fur will not reach the thickness needed to protect them from cold temperatures (less than 50 degrees F/ 10 degrees C). 

How long can my ferret play outside in the Winter?
Limit your ferret’s exposure to cold winter temperatures and snow to not more than 10 to 15 minutes, although smaller ferrets may be less tolerant to the cold.
 
DO monitor your ferret closely for signs of shivering, and bring her inside.    
DO NOT expose your ferret to freezing and subfreezing temperatures. 

Outdoor Ferrets
Keeping domestic ferrets outdoors is NOT recommended for a variety of reasons.  When kept outdoors, they must first become accustomed to the environmental temperatures over months.  

Even so, all animals must be kept in secure enclosures (sheds, etc.) from which they cannot escape. They must be protected from wind, rain, and cold temperatures, and in the summertime from sun and heat.  In such cases, ferrets must have warm bedding and are generally housed together for warmth. Water and food must be checked frequently, to avoid freezing and insect infestation.  

For more reading:

• Hypothermia:  Hypothermia in Small Mammals
  
• Winter Safety:  https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-keep-ferrets-safe-in-winter.html
  
• Frostbite:    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs
  

 

In summer 2020, endangered black-footed ferrets (BFFs) were injected with the then experimental vaccine for Covid-19 slated for human use. Testing was conducted in the captive BFF population at the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center near Fort Collins, Colorado. To date no BFFS have tested positive for Covid.


Testing was initiated not only to protect the highly endangered wild BFFs, but also potentially to protect humans, should the animals become infected. Minks – both farmed and wild- were found to test positive for Covid in both Europe and North America.  In recent months the mink tested positive for the mutated strain of the virus, initially identified in the United Kingdom.
 
The concern comes from BFF’s genetic similarity to other mustelids, such as mink.  Mink not only contracted the illness, but also passed it on to humans, causing several EU countries to dispose of entire colonies of farmed mink, in the millions.  
 
The wild BFFs are native to the North American prairie. Their range, once spanning the vast American West, was reduced as humans exterminated the prairie dog populations, which is the BFF’s primary food source.
 
By early fall 120 of the 180 ferrets housed at the center were inoculated, with the rest remaining unvaccinated in case something went wrong with the animals. So far, the vaccinated BFFs appear healthy, and tests show SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in their blood. However, there is no data to show whether the vaccine actually protects against the disease.  Efficacy studies in domestic ferrets are still pending. 
 
Source:   https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/23/health/black-footed-ferret-covid-vaccine-scn-partner/index.html

Aug 18-USA:  The first cases of novel coronavirus found in minks in the United States were reported in Utah, according to multiple reports. The United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Service Laboratory announced that all five cases were found at two mink farms in Utah.  Necropsies were performed on several dead minks from the farms by the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory after receiving exceptionally high reports of mink fatalities, the agency stated in the release. Both farms have been completely quarantined, according to a news release from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

Mink, like their close relatives, ferrets, are known to be susceptible to coronavirus, and like humans, they can show a range of symptoms, from no signs of illness at all to severe problems, such as pneumonia.

Scientists suspect the virus spreads in mink farms through infectious droplets, on feed or bedding, or in dust containing droppings. Mink have caught the virus from humans, but genetic detective work has shown that in a small number of cases the virus seems to have passed the other way, with the virus spreading from mink back to humans.  Mink have become "reservoirs for the virus" and surveillance is required in other wild and domestic animals that may be susceptible, said Prof Joanne Santini of University College London. Since the pandemic started, Europe has witnessed the spread of corona virus to mink farms in Europe, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain have now triggered the culling of millions of farmed mink.  

Spain culled 100,000 mink in July after cases were detected at a farm in Aragón province, and tens of thousands of the animals were slaughtered in the Netherlands following outbreaks on farms there. 

Denmark is the world's biggest producer of mink fur and its main export markets are China and Hong Kong. In early November, Denmark stated that it would cull all its mink - as many as 17 million - after a mutated form of coronavirus that can spread to humans was found on mink farms.  The culling began late last month, after many mink cases were detected.  But cases are spreading fast in Denmark - 207 mink farms in Jutland are affected - and at least five cases of the new virus strain were found. Twelve people had become infected, the authorities said.

Concerns were raised after Danish authorities found genetic changes they stated might undermine the effectiveness of future Covid-19 vaccines.  As of the date of reporting, over 200 people have been infected with mink-related coronavirus.  The UK responded by imposing an immediate ban on all visitors from Denmark amid concerns about the new strain.

Danish scientists are particularly concerned about one mink-related strain of the virus, found in 12 people, which they say is less sensitive to protective antibodies, raising concerns about vaccine development.  Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated:  "We need to wait and see what the implications are but I don't think we should come to any conclusions about whether this particular mutation is going to impact vaccine efficacy.”  

"What we do know is that the mink are picking up the virus from people; they can be infected and they are spreading it between themselves and it's come back to humans." 

Studies are under way to find out how and why mink have been able to catch and spread the infection.

End of the Fur-Trade?
Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK, said in addition to animal suffering, the potential for disease spread is another reason for all fashion companies to go fur-free and for governments to shut down "this dirty trade."  "We urge the Netherlands and other countries in the process of phasing out fur farming to speed up their industry closures, and countries yet to commit to bans, including China and Finland, to do so now."

In August, the Dutch parliament voted for a permanent closing of the mink fur farms shut down due to COVID-19 outbreaks among workers and animals, and to close down remaining farms this year.  
 
Since a vote in 2013, Dutch mink fur farming under a slow phase out, to close entirely by the beginning of 2024. The spread of COVID-19 among mink across multiple farms since April resulted in at least two workers catching the virus from the animals and triggered calls for the government to rapidly shut down the industry. “Waiting until 2024 for the mink ban to take effect would have been unjustifiable and irresponsible,” says Sandra Schoenmakers, director of Dutch anti-fur organizations Bont voor Dieren. Animal welfare campaigners are celebrating the outcome of the vote after pushing for the early closure of the mink fur industry ahead of a nationwide ban due to come into effect in 2024.

Poland, one of the world’s top producers of mink fur with some 350 mink farms containing around 6 million animals or roughly half of that in Denmark, started Covid testing on minks on Nov 17.

Sources:  
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54842643 
https://www.businessinsider.com/denmark-mink-covid-19-mutation-cull-minks-restart-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-11 
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-poland-mink/poland-tests-mink-for-covid-despite-fur-industrys-objections-idUSL8N2I34O6
https://www.who.int/csr/don/06-november-2020-mink-associated-sars-cov2-denmark/en/

Nov 5-New York City:  Results from a recent study in domestic ferrets conducted at Columbia University, NY, showed that a drug delivered by nasal spray could block the absorption of the SARS-CoV2 virus, preventing Covid-19. (Brian Hews - New York Times; Nov 5, 2020).  More importantly the test drug does not require refrigeration and is expected to be relatively inexpensive. 

Ferrets are used by scientists studying flu, SARS and other respiratory diseases because they can catch viruses through the nose much as humans do, although they also infect each other by contact with feces or by scratching and biting.  See:  Covid 19 and Ferrets Covid Mar 22, 2020.

Six ferrets were used in the study, divided into pairs in three cages: one group received the test drug, one group received a “placebo” (no drug) spray, one ferret was deliberately infected with SARS-CoV-2 but received no spray a couple of days earlier.  After 24 hours together, none of the ferrets that received the spray drug caught the disease, whereas all the placebo-treated ferrets became infected.

Scientists stated that the spray attacks the virus directly. It contains a lipopeptide, a cholesterol particle linked to a chain of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This particular lipopeptide exactly matches a stretch of amino acids in the spike protein of the virus, which the pathogen uses to attach to a human airway or lung cell.   

The medical team has applied to the federal government for funding to initiate studies in people.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/health/coronavirus-ferrets-vaccine-spray.html

On Jun 13, 2020, Nancy Jean Park, ferret owner, breeder and founding member of allFerrets, lost her battle with cancer, at 63 years of age.  Read more>>>

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY
Ferrets are very susceptible to extreme heat.  “Heatstroke” (or “hyperthermia”) occurs when a ferret is exposed environmental conditions that cause the body to exceed a normal temperature range.
 
Normal (rectal) body temperature for a healthy ferret is 100 to 104 degrees Farenheit (°F) or 38 to 40 degrees Centigrade or Celsius (°C).  
 
Heat stroke must be considered when the body temperature of a ferret exceeds 104° to 105°F (40° to 40.6°C) in the absence of infection or inflammation.
 
Heat stroke can damage the body.  How much damage depends on:  1) how high the body (core) temperature becomes, and 2) the length of time that it is elevated.
 
Signs

• Open mouth breathing or panting
• Rapid breathing
• Body weakness
• Not alert, sleepy, nausea, seizures, coma, death.
• Elevated rectal temperature

 
IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION IS REQUIRED

• DO:   Rapidly cool the ferret:
  • Immediately REMOVE THE HEAT SOURCE (bring the ferret into a shady or air- conditioned space, etc.)
  • Apply cool--but not COLD-- water to wet the skin and face
    
  • Fan the animal by whatever means to reduce the body temperature.  This increases air flow and increases heat loss.
  • If the ferret is awake and alert, offer small amounts of cool water (or other liquid if water is not available) to drink.
    

 

• DON’T:  Chill the ferret:
  • Do NOT immerse the ferret in an ice or cold-water bath. This will cause the peripheral blood vessels to constrict and actually make things worse
  • Do not use alcohol or ice packs on the skin.
  • If the ferret starts to shiver, stop the cooling process.

• Do not cool lower than 103°F rectal temperature, as doing so will actually result in hypothermia.
  
• Do not offer fluids by mouth if the ferret is not aware and alert. Fluids can be aspirated (breathed) into the lungs, which will call more problems.  
  
• Do not force fluids by mouth.  
• Do not give subcutaneous fluids unless directed to do so by your vet. They may cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict.

 

• DO:  Call a veterinarian AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
  • Attempt to cool the ferret down, but bring the ferret for a medical assessment 
    
  • For the trip, wrap the ferret in cool, wet towels; if possible, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

 
TREATMENT
 
Ferrets may require stabilization. The veterinarian may reduce the ferret’s body temperature by using cooling pads, cold-water enemas, or cold fluids instilled into the abdominal cavity or into the blood stream. Oxygen therapy should be given to increase the amount of oxygen to the tissues. In severe cases, the animal may need to be intubated (a tube placed in the airway for administering oxygen).
 
Even after the body temperature has normalized, hospitalization is warranted to monitor vital signs, blood work, and to ensure that the ferret remains stable.  Although the ferret may appear to recover from heat stroke, signs of organ failure or other problems m ay develop over the following days, up to a week later.  Medication may be given to protect the ferret’s stomach from “stress ulcers.”  
 
Organ failure:  Heat can cause gastrointestinal signs, kidney, liver, or heat problems.  When severe it can result in a “shock” syndrome (disseminated intravascular coagulation- or DIC), which can lead rapidly to death.  Nervous system damage can occur, as well as severe muscle injury.
 
PREVENTION

• Keep your ferret in temperatures LESS THAN 80°F (26°C), preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Use fans, open windows, if necessary.
  
• Provide plenty of shade and cool (e.g., tile or stone) surfaces
• Provide free access to clean cool water.  REPLACE WATER OFTEN.
• Give your ferret a water bowl AND a water bottle that attaches to the cage.  Ferrets will drink more water from a bowl than a water bottle, and they are known to play in the water or tip over light water bowls.  This can keep them cool, BUT make sure that always have access to water.   
• Ferrets may enjoy cool water baths of water play, BUT never leave a ferret unattended in the water.

  And NEVER leave your ferret or any other animal (or small child!!) in a parked vehicle.