This is being written on the 17th of March. As this is still a developing issue details of the register may change. I hope to update this as the updates come through Update July 2021; the register is live and currently fully voluntary (Ferret Register (ahw-scot.org))
Let me start by giving an apology. We did know about this through our contacts before the majority however since we had little information, and this was sure to cause panic in people we did not feel it was wise to share speculation and half-truths. We now feel we feel we know enough to give some real answers.
Why is this list being made?
Long story short it is as a matter of public health and to prevent what happened in the Netherlands last year from happening here. There is no plans to have a cull.
Like mink, ferrets are found to be able to contract covid 19 from humans and transmit it around themselves, but unlike mink there has not yet been any sign of it transmitting back to humans. This means they can catch it from you or each other but not give it to humans. The concern is if it is passed around enough ferrets and then does find its way back into the human population it may change enough to be considered a new strain. At present this is all theoretical. The steps being taken are to ensure the appropriate authorities are aware if it does happen ASAP and take measures to protect the population, both humans and ferrets.
To put the risk into perspective it was mentioned that as this is not as high a risk as bird flu and they may raise the number of ferrets needed before registration.
If ferrets cannot transmit it to humans, why is there a risk? It may transmit back to humans via a mutation or 3rd species. As an example, if a ferret transmits the virus to a wild animal such as a polecat or mink it may be able to be spread around the countryside and make its way back to humans via mink. It is understood that this particular example is highly unlikely however as the kinds of owners who abandon ferrets in the countryside are unlikely to spend enough time with said ferrets beforehand to risk transmitting the virus to the ferret in the first place. Like with us transmission is easier in an enclosed space and requires contact with an infected individual. As such outside ferrets are less likely to pick it up due to being in open air and being in contact with their humans less often.
What Are We To Register And When?
Firstly, if one of your ferrets is confirmed by a vet to have covid 19 you should report it to the appropriate authority. Please make sure you do so to keep yourself right rather than relying on your vet to do so. It may be that ferrets who have tested positive for covid 19 and pass away are cremated. There may also be some minimal space requirements introduced.
From the 1st of May 2021* the Scottish government is planning to open the register. We are being asked to register if we have 5 or more ferrets. The number may be raised. If you have less than 5 ferrets you can still register voluntarily. I will add here that although they are calling this list compulsory for 5 or more ferrets, they are not going to be going out hunting people for non-compliance. If you are reported to have lots of ferrets and are not registered however you may find yourself in trouble. Just register. At present it looks like this will be free, after all they are trying to encourage people to register. You will be expected to provide the name and address of the owner/keeper, possibly details of your landlord, the number of ferrets on the premises, and species of your pets (domestic ferret, American mink etc, they do not care about how many silvers, albinos, angoras etc you have), and likely details of your vet.
*Update April 2021; The register has been pushed back to 1st of June 2021, most likely to re-evaluate some of the points discussed in the meeting.
There is still some discussion about exactly what and how often we will need to update. They are not interested in if you breed or not, so you will not be expected to update them with every litter, but they may have a section asking if you breed, work, show or just have them as pets. There has been some discussion on updating the list annually as per the sheep livestock register. The register will likely ask if your ferret is housed inside or outside, it may include questions on space per ferret and if they are exposed to “open air” enclosures, that is an open topped run or allowed to regularly run around the garden.
Some example registry’s that people may find useful are the bird register for keepers of 50 or more birds, and the sheep register
What Should We be Doing To Protect Our Ferrets?
Like humans’ ferrets are also capable to being asymptomatic. This means a ferret may appear healthy but it may pass the virus on to other ferrets. This emphasises how important it is to quarantine all new arrivals, ill animals, or those potentially exposed to the virus for 3 weeks (21 days). Also, if you are to self-isolate due to exposure, suspected covid 19 or positive testing you should isolate from your ferrets as much as possible. If this is not possible take special care to wash your hands and wear a mask around your ferrets and their food. As a general rule you should be washing your hands before and after interacting with your ferrets, their belongings or food, and making use of a pet safe disinfectant that kills viruses. We use Odourfresh by mistralie which can be used for all cleaning purposes, including putting in the washing machine with their bedding. As with ourselves hygiene is the biggest factor in preventing spread.
It is worth mentioning that the virus is transmitted to ferrets the same way as it is to humans, specifically they would be most likely to catch it from an infected human, so only if it is high risk of transmitting in the human population is it likely to be caught by ferrets. As such ferrets should not be transported across tier zones when movement of people is restricted. I would also add that if you are in a high risk area I would strongly discourage walking your ferret in public spaces.
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