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Other uses of ferrets
Ferrets have been used to run wires and cables through large conduits. Event
organizers in London used ferrets to run TV and sound cables for both the
wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer, and for the "Party in
the Park" concert held in Greenwich Park on Millennium Eve. One ferret, Freddie,
was even registered as an electrician's assistant with the New Zealand
Electrical Workers Union.
Because they share many anatomical and physiological features with humans,
ferrets are extensively used as experimental subjects in biomedical research, in
fields such as virology, reproductive physiology, anatomy, endocrinology and
neuroscience.
Ferret biology and health concerns
Like many other carnivores, ferrets have scent glands near their anuses, the
secretions from which are used in scent marking. It has been reported that
ferrets can recognize individuals from these anal gland secretions, as well as
the sex of unfamiliar individuals. Ferrets may also use urine marking for sex
and individual recognitions.
Like skunks, ferrets can release their anal gland secretions when startled or
scared, but the smell dissipates rapidly. Most pet ferrets in the US are sold
de-scented, with their anal glands removed. In the UK, de-scenting is considered
an unnecessary mutilation, and is illegal without some compelling medical
justification. In Australia and the UK, the general opinion is that the animal
does not need to be de-scented.
Males, if not neutered, are extremely musky. It is considered preferable to
delay neutering until sexual maturity has been reached, at approximately 6
months old, after the full descent of the testicles. Neutering the male will
reduce the smell to almost nothing. The same applies for females, but spaying
them is also important for their own health.
Many domestic ferrets are known to suffer from several distinct health problems.
Among the most common are cancers affecting the adrenal glands, pancreas, and
lymphatic system. Certain colours of ferret may also carry a genetic defect
known as Waardenburg syndrome .
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