‘Ferrets in homes pose big risks’

CapeNature has issued a stern warning about the increasing ownership of ferrets which have been found, in some parts of the world, to carry undesirable diseases like rabies for which there is no proven vaccine.

The ferret is largely banned globally as pets and is considered highly undesirable. In the last few months, CapeNature has noted a concerning trend where ferrets have been found in homes as pets and running wild.

CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said a permit was required to buy, sell, donate, possess, transport and import ferrets in the Western Cape.

“The increase in pet ferret encounters in the Western Cape sadly illustrates that people are importing, keeping and or trading in ferrets without concern for the dire environmental risk that these activities pose to the precious biodiversity of the province.

Anyone found keeping ferrets without a permit could be in contravention of the provisions of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, and if found guilty, will face legal consequences.

“CapeNature views ferrets as highly undesirable in the Western Cape. I want to urge the public to work with us in curbing wildlife crime by reporting any suspicious activity related to the illegal collection and trade of animals and plants,” said Naidoo.

The organisation said ferrets have traditionally not been domesticated and there was a lack of research regarding diseases that the animal carried, making it difficult for any vet to ensure that it was disease-free.

“Some diseases may be transferable to indigenous wild animals such as African polecat, African weasel, honey badger, Cape clawless otter, mongoose or even to humans. In North America, there is evidence that some of the disease problems associated with the endangered American black-footed ferret are attributable to diseases brought in by the importation of ferrets. They have been found to carry rabies ... In other parts of the world, ferrets have been found to be carriers of bovine tuberculosis,” said Naidoo.

Cape Times