ABSTRACT
The laboratory ferret is not specifically addressed within the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations12 administered by the USDA. Thus the ferret is regulated under Subpart F-Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Nonhuman Primates, and Marine Mammals. This section of the regulations provides generic information on facilities, space requirements, feed, water, sanitation, employees, and separation. No specifics regarding temperature, cage size, or feed composition and amount are provided. Compatibility is the primary factor regarding cage density. The majority of information provided relates to transportation standards, including primary enclosures, care, handling, food and water during transit, intermediate carriers, and methods of transportation.
