Ferrets pose threat to wildlife in South Africa. Image: Pet Habitat
(The Post News)- A stark warning has been issues by CapeNature about the increase of ownership of ferrets in the country, the warning stresses the potential environmental risks and health threats that come with their popularity growing. Being new to South Africa, ferrets are becoming a fashionable choice for pet owners who seek something different.
CapeNature being responsible for biodiversity in the Western Cape has cautioned ferrets pose significant risks to the indigenous wildlife and ecosystems. Since ferrets have not been consistently kept as pets like dogs and cats, limited research is available in regards to the potential diseases they may carry. Having limited knowledge creates a challenge for veterinarians as it becomes difficult to guarantee ferrets have no diseases.
CEO of CapeNature, Dr Ashley Naidoo, has highlighted the issue giving warning the increase in pet ferret encounters in the Western Cape, illustrating people are importing, keeping or trading in ferrets without concern for dire environmental risks these activities may pose.
One of the main concerns is the possibility of ferrets transmitting diseases to indigenous wildlife species such as the African polecat, honey badger, and mongoose or humans. In North America, the black-footed ferret which is endangered has been affected by diseases which were introduced by the domestic ferrets, and a particular concern is rabies having no proven vaccine available for ferrets. Evidence also shows a link to the transmission of bovine tuberculosis in some regions.
If feral ferret populations were to establish themselves, South Africa could face similar consequences even if the animals are sterilised. It has been reported by Cape Nature an alarming increase in the number of ferrets encountered both as pets and running wild over the past few months.
In order to curb the threats, the Western Cape has classified ferrets as “highly undesirable” and has placed strict regulations which require permits for any activity which involves ferrets. Should anyone be found having a ferret in their possession without permits, they could face legal consequences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance. The public has been urged by Naidoo to play a role in the prevention of wildlife of any illegal activities related the trade of species under threat.
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