Ferrets (Mustela furo) are becoming increasingly popular as “pets” in South Africa. Relatively new to our country, people who are adventurous in choosing a furry friend have shown an interest in ferrets. However, there are several reasons why they do not make ideal pets.

Since ferrets have not been domesticated for thousands of years, unlike domestic dogs and cats, there is a lack of research and knowledge regarding diseases that ferrets might carry. Therefore, it’s very difficult for any vet to ensure that an animal is 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, for which there is no proven vaccine. In other parts of the world, ferrets have been found to be carriers of bovine tuberculosis.

The potential ecological threat of feral populations of ferrets (whether sterilised or not) becoming established cannot be understated. The ecological impact of feral populations in New Zealand, for example, include devastating rates of mortality among several indigenous wild animal species. For these reasons, ferrets are mostly banned globally and are considered highly undesirable imports in many other parts of the world where their unfortunate import was originally permitted.

CapeNature views ferrets as highly undesirable in the Western Cape. A permit is required for all activities involving ferrets (i.e. buy, sell, donate, possession, captivity, transport and import) in the Western Cape. 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. In the last few months, it is concerning that CapeNature has encountered an increase in the incidents of ferrets caught, both as pets in homes and running wild.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature warns, “The increase in pet ferret encounters in the Western Cape, sadly illustrated 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. 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. This includes our succulent plants, which continue to be heavily impacted.”

Contact CapeNature on 087 087 9262 or contact the CRIME STOP TIP-OFF-LINE on 08600 10 111 to report wildlife crime.