GB FERRET REGISTRATION
The following are copies of the e-mail information received by the NFWS regarding the proposed GB Ferret Register which was implemented from the 1st June 2021.
The information is in reverse chronological order with the most recent information at the top.
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The First document is the latest e-mail received on this topic.
From: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot Dear colleague,
Further to our update of 17 June 2021 regarding the launch of the GB Ferret (and other Mustelinae) Register, we can confirm that many of you have taken the opportunity to sign up to this voluntary register. We now have over 500 animals registered, including ferrets, polecats and stoats from across GB, and this data is vital in helping Government to build a picture of the size and location of the kept Mustelinae population in GB, and ultimately in helping to contain any possible outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19.
Registration is currently voluntary in Scotland, England and Wales, but the policy intention is to make this register compulsory in the first half of 2022. Those who have already registered need to take no further action, as their registration details will be automatically transferred over to the new compulsory register once it is live.
The threshold for mandatory registration of Mustelinae in the compulsory register is yet to be determined, but will be shared with stakeholders ahead of the launch of the compulsory register next year.
In the meantime, we would encourage all keepers of captive ferrets and other Mustelinae to sign up to the voluntary register and, where appropriate, to encourage members of your organisation to do the same.
Those who join the Register will receive updates and guidance from APHA.
Your data will be used to help deal with incidence of animal disease, with the aim of protecting public health. Any information provided by you is currently on a voluntary basis.
If you are a keeper in Scotland, please register, or call 01466 794323
If you are a keeper in England, please register or call 0800 6341 112
If you are a keeper in Wales, please register or call 0800 6341 112
In the event of a suspected or confirmed case, or cases, of COVID-19 associated with kept ferrets or other Mustelinae, you will be contacted by APHA and provided with information and guidance on disease prevention measures.
See further advice on SARS-CoV-2 and ferret keeping, or contact your vet if you have any concerns about the health of your ferret/Mustelinae.
Please let me know if you have any further queries regarding this matter.
Kind regards,
Chris Bain
Policy Officer
Ms. Chris Bain | Disease Control Branch | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy
Scottish Government | P Spur | Saughton House | Broomhouse Drive | Edinburgh | EH11 3XD
Email: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot
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From: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot Dear colleague,
Further to our update of 20 April 2021 regarding the GB Ferret Register, we can now confirm that the GB Ferret (and other Mustelinae) Register has been launched.
Registration is now voluntary in Scotland, England and Wales, but the policy intention is to make this register compulsory in the near future.
Background to the register
In Autumn 2020, events in Denmark confirmed that new variants of SARS-COV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19 - can arise in mink and can infect humans.
Whilst mink farming is banned in the UK, recent research has demonstrated that ferrets are also susceptible to the virus and new variants can arise as the infection is transmitted between members of their own species.
It is important to note that human to human transmission remains the most significant route of infection.
of whether they are already recorded on the GB Ferret Register, the movement of animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be restricted in line with The Zoonoses Order (1989).
The GB Ferret (and other Mustelinae) Register is now available on a voluntary basis. Keepers of Mustelinae, including:
Government will use this information to determine the size and location of the kept ferret population.
Those who join the Register will receive updates and guidance from APHA.
In the event of a suspected or confirmed case, or cases, of COVID-19 associated with kept ferrets or other Mustelinae, you will be contacted by APHA and provided with information and guidance on disease prevention measures.
Your data will be used to help deal with incidence of animal disease, with the aim of protecting public health. Any information provided by you would be on a voluntary basis.
If you are a keeper in England please register at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ferret-and-other-mustelinae-register or call 0800 6341 112
If you are a keeper in Scotland please register at https://ferretregister.ahw-scot.org/ , or call 01466 794323
If you are a keeper in Wales please register at https://gov.wales/advice-pet-owners-coronavirus-covid-19 or call 0800 6341 112
See further advice on SARS-CoV-2 and ferret keeping, or contact your vet if you have any concerns about the health of your ferret/ Mustelinae.
Please let me know if you have any further queries regarding this matter.
With regards,
Chris Bain
Ms. Chris Bain | Disease Control Branch | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy
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From: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot Dear colleague,
Further to our update of 7 April 2021 regarding the GB Ferret Register, and in further consideration of stakeholder feedback, we can report that the implementation of the GB Ferret Register has been postponed from 1 May 2021 to 1 June 2021.
From 1 June 2021, registration on the GB Ferret Register will initially be voluntary in Scotland, England and Wales, but plans are still to make this register compulsory by the end of 2021.
Please get in touch should you have any further queries regarding this matter. Otherwise, you will be contacted again ahead of the implementation date with more information on the registration process.
With Regards,
Chris Bain
Ms. Chris Bain | Disease Control Branch | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy
Scottish Government | P Spur | Saughton House | Broomhouse Drive | Edinburgh | EH11 3XD
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The next document is the e-mail and minutes of the consultation meeting held on Zoom on the 16th March 2021.
From: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot Dear colleague
Please find attached the minutes of the GB Ferret Register Stakeholder meeting, which took place on March 16 2021. The PowerPoint presentation which supported the meeting can also be accessed here.
The contribution made by stakeholders at the meeting was hugely appreciated, and we have taken away a number of actions (detailed in the minutes), which will aid us in the refinement of our proposals.
At present the launch of the register is still planned for 1 May, however we will revise and recirculate Q&A information, providing greater detail on the registration process, once we have reviewed the feedback from the meeting.
We hope this information will prove informative to you and your colleagues/members.
Yours sincerely
Chris Bain
Ms. Chris Bain | Disease Control Branch | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy
Papers SARS-Cov-2 in mammals ppt. presentation
Purpose of meeting
1. To discuss proposals for the introduction of a GB Ferret Register
Background to SARS-COV-2 in animals
3. It was questioned why Government were not looking to introduce a register for other animal / mammal species where SARS-CoV-2 had been identified. This was because ferrets and other Mustelinae are highly susceptible to infection, can transmit infection within their own species, mutations can arise and in very limited circumstances in farmed mink, to re-infect humans. Industry asked about the availability of vaccines for ferrets and if there were any, whether they were effective. We are aware that vaccines are being developed for use in farmed mink and pets, but as yet none are available for use.
4. Government does not offer a diagnostic service for SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals but there are private laboratories offering testing in GB. If keepers wish to consider private testing this should only be undertaken where it is in the interest of the health and welfare of the animal. Official Veterinarian guidance has been published on APHA’s Gateway covering case definition, testing and international reporting obligations (see links in communications section below).
5. There is no legal requirement to test ferrets but if anyone is planning to test privately it was recommended keepers discuss with their private vet where samples are to be sent and timescales for expect results. Note: see para below re positive results which are, however, required to be reported to APHA.
SARS-COV-2 reportable in mammals
7. It makes other provisions for powers to investigate, including isolation and movement restrictions. However, such control measures would only be taken as a last resort.
Ferret Register
9. Scope: Governments’ intention is for the register to capture all Mustelinae including ferrets, pole cats, hybrids, mink. This decision was based on current available scientific evidence of transmission in mink other closely related species kept in captivity. It was questioned why Government needed a register as ferret societies had good communication links with its members already. The idea of the register would allow Government to understand the ferret population, ensure all keepers of Mustelinae would receive timely, up to date and accurate advice such as measures to help prevent spread of infection and facilitate surveillance. There are currently no plans to carry out any surveillance but in the future, should that be needed, the database could help here.
10. Format: It is proposed that the register would be made available in a number of different formats to enable access to all users. Work is underway to develop an online register to allow details to be entered using a unique user identification and password. This would allow users to update information online at any point by mobile phone, tablet or computer. Users will also be able to call a helpline number and register by telephone, or download a registration form and post their registration details.
11. Voluntary vs compulsory: All three administrations in Scotland, England and Wales are looking at introducing a compulsory ferret register later in 2021 but initially it will be set up as a voluntary register. All keepers of Mustelinae will be encouraged to register their animals. The current planned implementation date for this voluntary register is 1 May 2021. Initially Scottish Government had intended, for administrative reasons, to introduce the register on a compulsory basis from 1 May, however, this will now begin on a voluntary basis, in line with proposals in England and Wales.
12. Proposed details of register: When the register becomes compulsory it is proposed that keepers of 5 or more Mustelinae (at any point) would be required to register their animals within one month. The register will be open on a voluntary basis to register ferrets numbers of less than 5. The reason for selecting 5 or more was because research has shown the virus didn’t have to pass through a large group of ferrets for a mutation to arise. It was also based on number of kits in a litter, as this might involve more handling and moving animals on to new homes. Industry highlighted that this would capture most keepers given the ferrets reproduction rate of up to 14-15 kits in a litter. A suggestion was put forward that new born ferrets should be discounted from this number and should count towards the total only once weaned; if the number of Mustelinae on one premises then exceeded 5 including weaned kits then keepers would have a month to register.
Action 1: Government to review initial threshold number for compulsory registration.
13. It is proposed the key information that would be necessary to be captured by a compulsory register include:
14. Industry views were sought on how frequently this information should be updated, including one off registration, de-registering if numbers fell below 5, or if contact details changed. Views were also sought on the impact this may have on boarding establishments and rehabilitation/rescue centres. Requiring both the owner and keeper details could impact disproportionately on those groups. Although one or two participants suggested it should not be too onerous for such organisations to update information, if there was an online platform, aligning the register more closely with the requirements of the GB poultry register regarding the capture of contact information, would still meet the needs of what was intended by the register’s purpose. It was suggested that it is unlikely pet owners would want to register every year. If online, however, if reminders were issued as part of an annual inventory functionality could be added, perhaps a check box to say no change, or users amend only certain variables that had changed.
Action 2: Government to consider aligning the keeper variables more closely with the requirements of the GB poultry register
15. Another proposed compulsory variable is the “Purpose” of keeping the ferrets.Gathering this information would enable Government to understand which ferret groups have more contact with the general public or where large numbers of ferrets are likely to have contact with workers, which would help if any targeted messaging was required in the future. The suggested variables in the “Purpose” category are:
• Pet
16. It was noted by several group members that many keepers would keep ferrets for more than just one purpose, therefore, to have the ability to select multiple categories would avoid confusion. It was recommended that the word “vermin” is replaced with “pest control” as vermin are perceived to be only rodents and ferrets can be used to control other species such as rabbits. Industry asked for category of zoo to be simplified as having a purpose of either entertainment animal or conservation animal can lead to confusion. An industry member found the term wildlife centre unclear (was this a rehabilitation wildlife centre)? It was also suggested that a category is included to cover agricultural shows/fairs.
Action 4: Government will revisit categories in light of the comments and recirculate revised list.
17. Data Protection: The data on the register is likely to be held by the Animal and Plant Health Agency or in Scotland by ScotEID (the Data Processor). Both organisations already hold personal data on livestock identification and movement traceability in compliance with GDPR. In Scotland the Data Controller will be Scottish Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer (on behalf of Scottish Minister).
18. Government attendees agreed to explain the permitted uses of the information as per data protection requirements so it can only be used for the stated purposes. Government will also explain the benefits, such as getting direct messaging about relevant information e.g. cases of disease in the area.
Communications
20. There was speculation and concern expressed within the ferret community following the invitation for representatives to attend this stakeholder meeting that registering as a ferret keeper may leave you open to have these animals culled. As such there may not be a lot of uptake without reassurance that this is not the case. Members of the group noted that Government would need to clearly define and limit the use and purpose of the register. Such an approach will be essential to building confidence and encourage compliance.
21. Government explained that ferrets are only likely to get the disease from humans, and even if the disease gets into ferrets and mutates, it needs to get back into humans, so the most that is every likely to happen is a period of isolation until the disease has passed. There is no current scientific justification for culling ferrets based on the evidence we have.
22. Some members were unsighted on a number of guidance documents as news articles, guidance for vets or advice for owners in the public domain such as the APHA Gateway, BSAVA website, respective GB administrations’ websites (GOV.UK, GOV.WALES and GOV.SCOT).
23. In order to dispel rumours, prevent any unintended consequences such as pet abandonment and allow ferret industry bodies to provide accurate and supportive guidance industry asked Government to prepare some guidance, particularly for wildlife & ferret rescue centres. This would enable industry representative organisations on this call to provide their members with relevant information.
24. Clear documentation will be produced for rescue centres and breeders on what they should do, how they will be able to open centres to begin rehoming ferrets if they have had the virus identified on site. Guidance would also be needed for those attending public events and putting on ferret shows for public to pet (to protect both the health and welfare of ferrets and those handling the animals). As it is developed this group will be invited to comment.
Action 5: Government to produce guidance for:
25. It was agreed that links attendees may find useful will be provided accompanying the minutes of the meeting. These are provided below:
Animal Health and Welfare Division: Disease Control branch
Scottish Government
1. What is the register of ferrets?
2. Why is it necessary?
3. Who has to register?
4. What information will I be required to provide?
5. How do I register?
6. When can I register?
7. What about data protection?
8. Will my data be shared with 3rd parties?
9. When do I need to update my details?
10. Will my ferrets automatically be tested if I register?
11. Do I have to pay for testing?
12. How are ferrets tested for SARS-COV-2?
13. Who would carry out testing?
14. What happens if my ferrets have a positive test result?
15. Will I be tested if my ferrets have a positive test result?
• Your local Health Protection Team (HPT) will assess if any further action is necessary.
16. Will my ferrets be tested if I get COVID?
17. What measures are in place to stop imported ferrets bringing SARS-COV-2 into GB?
18. What happens if a keeper does not register their ferrets?
19. If cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 why are we not asking for a cat register?
20. What is the mortality of ferrets who are positive for SARS-CoV-2?
21. Is there an approved SARS-Cov-2 vaccine for ferrets?
22. Can I get my ferret tested for SARS-CoV-2? If so, how long does the test take?
23. Is the reason Government are wanting to have a ferret register to cull ferrets?
24. Is the need for a register not gold plating in place of a basic mailing list through groups, clubs and vets?
END
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The next document is the e-mail outlining what was intended by the GB Ferret Register proposal.
From: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot Establishment of a Great Britain register of ferrets and other captive Mustelinae
Dear colleague
Thank you to those who attended the GB Ferret Register Stakeholder Consultation Meeting, on Tuesday 16th March. Apologies we were not able to accommodate all those who wished to join the discussions, as the event was oversubscribed.
To keep all informed, we will shortly be issuing the minutes of the meeting, the supporting PowerPoint presentation, and providing further information regarding the next steps in the process.
In the meantime, the following summary may prove useful to your organisation when engaging with your members and colleagues:
You may be aware the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) previously published information on. Preventative Measures regarding SARs-CoV-2 and Ferrets in the UK .
In Denmark, in Autumn 2020, following infection passing from humans to farmed mink, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) developed in the mink and passed back to humans. This variant was less readily killed by human SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than other variants, which raised concerns that if one of these variants spread easily amongst people, it could impact on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, e.g. vaccination.
It has therefore been necessary to take further measures to protect public health. Whilst mink farming is banned in the UK, other Mustelinae*, such as ferrets, are now known to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Research has demonstrated that new variants can arise in ferrets and they can spread infection within their own species. There is therefore concern that ferrets and other Mustelinae kept in GB could act as a reservoir of new variants with the potential to infect humans.
SARS-CoV-2 reporting
Legislation has now come into force in Scotland, England and Wales to make SARS-CoV-2 reportable in all mammals (except man) and so positive test results must now be reported by your vet, or private laboratory, to APHA.
Your vet can provide advice on when testing is appropriate and further information can be found here: SARS-CoV-2 in Animals – Case Definition, Testing and International Reporting Obligations (defra.gov.uk)
Register of ferrets and other captive Mustelinae
In order to ensure that ferret and other captive Mustelinae keepers are provided with up to date disease information, and to facilitate statutory testing if required, we are looking to create a register of ferrets and other captive Mustelinae. You may already be familiar with the GB Poultry Register and it is proposed the ferret register will operate in a similar way. The register will cover all kept animals classed as Mustelinae* including ferrets, polecats and their hybrids, and wild Mustelinae kept in captivity. Further references in this letter to ferrets include all captive Mustelinae.
We would like to stress that whilst mink in Denmark were subject to culling, this is not the intended purpose of the GB ferret register.
As this is a public and animal health measure, it is important to be able to implement the register as quickly as possible. The register will therefore be implemented initially on a voluntary basis in GB, likely around 1st May, before legislation is introduced by Scottish Government, Defra and Welsh Government, making registration compulsory.
The information that may be requested in the voluntary register would be minimal and is likely to include: name and address of ferret owner; the species kept; and the purpose for which the animals are kept (e.g. as pets, for commercial breeding activities, or as working animals, etc.) The register will not be publically accessible.
Following feedback from the stakeholder meeting, the minimum number of ferrets which would trigger compulsory registration, and categories of purpose, are under consideration.
We will publish further information to advise when the register opens and what ferret keepers must do to register.
Advice for Ferret Keepers
COVID-19 is driven by human to human transmission, and it is rare for an animal to contract coronavirus. Despite this, taking preventive measures to address the potential for transmission from ferrets to humans is important. Should you have any concerns regarding the health of your animals, whether you keep them commercially or as pets, you should contact your vet.
Preventative Measures regarding SARs-CoV-2 and Ferrets in the UK .
SARS-CoV-2 in Animals – Case Definition, Testing and International Reporting Obligations (defra.gov.uk)
Current information for animal owners:
Scotland: Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for animal owners - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
With Regards
Ms. Chris Bain | Disease Control Branch | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy
END
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Sent: 11 October 2021
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: GB Ferret Register
Sent: 17 June 2021 15:17
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: GB Ferret Register Launch
* ferrets
* polecats
* hybrids of these animals
* stoats
* mink
can use the register to submit their animal’s details to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Policy Officer
Scottish Government | P Spur | Saughton House | Broomhouse Drive | Edinburgh | EH11 3XD
Sent: 20 April 2021 16:42
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: GB Ferret Register Update
Email: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot
Sent: 07 April 2021 09:25
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: GB Ferret Register Update
Scottish Government | P Spur | Saughton House | Broomhouse Drive | Edinburgh | EH11 3XD
Email: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot
GB Ferret Stakeholder Consultation Meeting
Minutes
Date 16 March 2021
Time 18:00 – 19:00
Dial in Details MS Teams (by invitation)
Contact Elizabeth Tidy animal.health@gov.scot
Attendees Scottish Government - Sheila Voas, Alastair Douglas (chair & minutes), Vivienne Mackinnon, Elizabeth Tidy
Welsh Government - Emily Lay, Richard Griffiths, Laura Kennedy
Defra - Gordon Hickman
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Carmen Marco Castillo
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) - Andy Hall
BSAVA - Adrienne Conroy and Carl Gorman
Fluffyretreat - Pam Weaver
Frisky Business Ferretry - Candy Johnston
The Guild of Calamitous Intent Ferrets - Laura McKenzie-Hawkins
Little Paws Ferret Rescue - Michelle Brunton
Mischief Maker Ferrets - Vicki Moxon
National Ferret Welfare Society - Michael Quelch, Derek Harding
National Gamekeepers Organisation -Charles Nodder
Naturescot - Peter Moore
Royal Angora Ferrets UK - Bobbie Bass
RSPCA - Hannah Allen-Western
Scottish Ferret Club - Madonna Livingston, Fiona Kemp, Rebecca Turner, Claire Brown, Amanda Stead, Jody Macdonald, Carole Hendry
Scottish Local Authorities - David Kerr
SSPCA - Mike Flynn
Welsh Ferret club - Leanne Lowes
Apologies Fairoak Ferrets -Anouska Thompson
National Farm Attraction Network - Anita Waddell
2. Carmen Marco from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) provided a background on SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes Covid-19 in humans), a summary of cases found in animals, susceptibility by species, and information on research on the disease in ferrets and other Mustelinae and how to prevent infection. A summary of the conclusions are found in her power point presentation attached.
6. Attendees were informed that legislation has now been introduced across each UK administration creating powers that allows Ministers to make SARS-CoV-2 reportable in mammals (except man). Making the disease reportable in effect requires any positive results from mammals to be reported to Government. This is to enable mutations of the disease, which may have the potential to infect humans and interfere with a vaccine induced immune response, to be detected and followed up promptly. If there are then public health precautions that need to be put in place it can be done.
8. Industry representatives were informed what information Government believed would be needed in order to make a GB ferret register effective for its intended purpose. Views were sought on what information should be captured, the terminology used to request the information and on how that information should be captured:
• the person’s name and address, and if different, the name and address of—
• the owner of the ferrets;
• the occupier of the premises(the keeper);
• the number of ferrets kept at the premises.
Action 3: Government to consider simplifying annual inventory reminders through addition of a check box to say no change.
• Working (e.g. vermin, cable laying)
• Public entertainment /education/therapy (includes petting zoos)
• Exhibition (zoos )
• Rehoming centre
• Pet shop
• Wildlife centre
• Other Commercial
• Breeding
19. The group were asked if stakeholders participating in this call reflected a good cross section of ferret stakeholders. It was suggested that the Vincent Trust was not represented. They should be included on any future correspondence on this matter.
• rescue centres and breeders for rehoming ferrets if they have had the virus identified on site.
• those attending public events and putting on ferret shows for public to pet.
• OIE technical factsheet on PPE etc., A_WHSG_and_OIE_COVID-19_Guidelines.pdf
• OV briefing note re. when to test
• Govt websites for each administration re. isolation period
• BSAVA web links.
BSAVA COVID-19 website
• Advice for owners https://www.bsava.com/adviceforpetowners See sections on ‘Current UK Status for COVID-19 & Pets’ and also ‘Government Advice for Pet Owners’ (scroll down to ‘Ferrets’)
• Advice for vets https://www.bsava.com/veterinaryadvice [Scroll down to BSAVA Resources and within that ‘Testing pets for SARS-CoV-2 & International & Legal Reporting Obligation’. Within the section there are links to APHA etc. and also detailed BSAVA Guidance available at the end of the third para. Scroll down to UK Veterinary Resources and Information and within that ‘Companion Animals’ and ‘COVID-19 and Ferrets’.]
• News articles
• Feb 2021 https://www.bsava.com/News/ArticleID/2843/COVID-19-B-canis-Salmonella-Legislative-Reporting-Requirements
• Oct 2020 https://www.bsava.com/News/ArticleID/2825/COVID-19-Updated-Government-Advice-on-Pets-Ferrets
Government
• APHA: APHA Vet Gateway SARS-CoV-2 in Animals – Case Definition, Testing and International Reporting Obligations
• Scottish Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Government Advice for pet owners in self-isolation
• Defra: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
• Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/advice-pet-owners-coronavirus-covid-19
26. If group members think of other questions or concerns after the meeting feel free to raise these
1 April 2021
Questions and Answers
• The Ferret Register is a voluntary register of ferrets and other Mustelinae kept in captivity in GB
• It will enable information on SARS-COV-2 to be sent to keepers quickly and easily
• Where there are concerns that ferrets are suspected of being infected with a strain of concern to Public Health colleagues it will enable keepers to be contacted and encouraged to take measures to prevent spread of infection
• The register will initially be on a voluntary basis for any keeper of ferrets or other Mustelinea.
• Keeper name, address incl. postcode,
• Owner name & address if different (tbc)
• Name of occupier & address where kept if different,
• Preferred method of communication.
• Number kept
• Species
• Purpose: Pet, Breeder, Handling- (e.g. education, therapy, petting zoo), Working (e.g. vermin, cable laying), Research, Zoo (observation only), Rehoming centre, Wildlife rehab/sanctuary, Other.
• Details to follow
• The register it planned to open on 1 May 2021
• The register will be fully compliant with GDPR
• Your data will be held securely, and only shared with govt. depts. for specified public/animal health reasons
• Your data will not be used for marketing purposes
• You should notify any changes in
• Contact details,
• If you stop keeping ferrets altogether.
• You do not need to notify of other changes in numbers.
• No. Statutory testing will only take place where there are concerns that your ferrets are suspected of being infected with a strain of concern to Public Health colleagues
• You may also arrange for private testing by your vet (OV briefing note case definition)
• Private testing- is undertaken at the owners expense. Any confirmatory testing required would be undertaken free of charge
• Statutory testing – sampling & testing is undertaken free of charge
• Swabs can be taken to test for virus. In some circumstances blood samples may be required to test for antibodies (previous exposure)
• Private testing- is undertaken by your private vet.
• Statutory testing – sampling & testing may be carried out by either APHA vets or your private vet under supervision of APHA.
• Positive results are reported to APHA. Confirmatory testing may be required if disclosed by private testing.
• APHA will carry out an investigation and advise on biosecurity measures. You may receive a formal notice restricting movement of ferrets on/off the premises and requiring positive animals to be isolated to prevent spread of infection.
• Not necessarily. If you get COVID and have been in close contact with ferrets in the previous 14 days you should advise your local Health Protection Team (HPT) who will assess if any further action is necessary.
• Pet passport- accompanied by owner. Dependent on human movement restrictions
• Commercial import- health certification is required and applications are approved on a risk basis subject to requirements.
• No action will be taken as registration will be on a voluntary basis to begin with
• Cats are not known to be able to pass infection back to humans. The disease is spread from humans TO cats i.e. a reverse zoonosis.
• Animal cases and mortality does not appear to be a significant outcome. There are occasions when small numbers of animals had to be euthanised on welfare grounds. This would have been the outcome regardless of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 rather than as a consequence of it.
• No vaccines are currently available for ferrets in the UK
• IF your ferret is ill and your vet suspects SARS-Cov-2 is a possible cause they can arrange for testing. The timing of results will depend on which laboratory is used to carry out the testing
• NO. There is no scientific evidence to justify such action
• Not all ferret keepers are members of clubs, or registered with a vet so a register provides an additional means of direct communication with groups who might not otherwise be known about.
Sent: 24 March 2021 09:45
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: GB Ferret Register Update
England: Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Wales: Advice for pet owners: coronavirus (COVID-19) | GOV.WALES
*Mustelinae includes animals such as ferrets, polecats, mink, weasels, stoats, ermine, martens and wolverines.
Chris Bain
Scottish Government | P Spur | Saughton House | Broomhouse Drive | Edinburgh | EH11 3XD
Email: Chris.Bain2@gov.scot
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