Issues to Consider for Preparing Ferrets as Research Subjects in the Laboratory

Abstract

The domestic or European ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has been domesticated for thousands of years. Ferrets have been used for hunting and fur production, as pets, and as models in biomedical research. Despite the relatively small numbers used in the laboratory, ferrets have some unique applications including study of human influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated corona virus. They have served as models for peptic ulcer disease, carotenoid metabolism, cystic fibrosis, and drug emesis screening, among others. Most research ferrets are males, due to estrus-related health problems in females. They may be housed conventionally and are easy to care for when their biology and behavior are understood. Due to the small number of ferret suppliers, animals are often shipped long distances, requiring air transport and intermediate handlers. It is important to minimize shipment stress, especially with weanling and pregnant animals. Additional expertise is required for success with pregnant and whelping ferrets and for rearing of neonates. The animals have specific dietary requirements, and proper nutrition is key. Successful housing requires knowledge of ferret behaviors including social behavior, eating habits, a general inquisitive nature, and a species-typical need to burrow and hide. Regular handling is necessary to maintain well-being. A ferret health care program consists of physical examination, immunization, clinical pathology, and a working knowledge of common ferret diseases. Various research methodologies have been described, from basic procedures such as blood collection to major invasive survival surgery. Ferrets have a distinct niche in biomedical research and are hardy animals that thrive well in the laboratory.

Ovariohysterectomy in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

“…Ferrets have been used for hunting and fur production and as models in biomedical research. More recently, beginning in the late 1970s, ferrets became popular as household pets in the United States and various European countries (1).…”

Preparation of Animals for Use in the Laboratory: Issues and Challenges for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

“…Factors that influence the selection of subjects factors that are dependent on the research question (Sinclair pigs for malignant melanoma research [Smith and Swindle 2006]; chimpanzees for studies of certain human monoclonal antibodies [Bloomsmith et al 2006]) and other outside factors that are dependent on the characteristics of the animal model or its availability (male ferrets to avoid estrus issues [Scipioni Ball 2006]; excess juvenile males in nonhuman primate breeding colonies [Capitanio et al 2006]).…”

“…For many of the nonrodent species, especially those that are likely to spend extended periods in the laboratory, knowledge of the behavior of the animals in the wild and management of their behavior in captivity are essential for proper preparation and the provision of high-quality care (Bloomsmith et al 2006;Capitanio et al 2006;Scipioni Ball 2006;Smith and Swindle 2006;Tardif et al 2006). Other critically important concepts addressed in this article are variability, homeostasis, and equilibrium.…”

Non-invasive blood pressure measurement in ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo ) using high definition oscillometry

“…Fixation or sedation is therefore required, although these techniques influence BP (Gasthuys et al, 1990;Farah et al, 2004). In ferrets, 'scruffing' (a method of restraint whereby the loose skin around the neck of the ferret is grasped and held firmly) results in a certain state of relaxation (Ball, 2006), but the applicability of this technique for BP measurement is unknown. Alternatively, low dosages of the short-acting sedatives midazolam and butorphanol can be given simultaneously, as these have a limited effect on BP ; see Appendix: Supplementary material) and are considered safe, even in the critical patient (Lichtenberger et al, 2009).…”