Since the start of the global pandemic, researchers and scientists from all over have gathered their studies to create a vaccine to stop the spread of this ongoing virus. 

Upon research, studies and clinical trials have been performed to investigate how Covid-19 affects humans, but also…. Ferrets! 

Ferrets are continuously used for research of influenza viruses and respiratory diseases to help develop the yearly flu vaccines. Ferrets often contract the same viruses as humans, hence why they have become one of the first animals studied with Covid-19. Research has shown that they are able to contract the coronavirus, as well as transmitting it to other ferrets if infected with the virus.  

Domesticated farm minks, a close cousin of the ferret, have died by the thousands in the United States and Europe after getting infected with the virus from infected humans. 

An undomesticated cousin of the species, the black-footed ferret, has become one of the most endangered mammals in the United States since the uprise of the pandemic. The black-footed ferret is the only species of ferret native to North America. A group of scientists from Colorado have worked together to create an experimental vaccine to help prevent the soon extinction of these weasel-like critters. 

Some of the most harmful viruses have originated from animals, such as the newfound coronavirus, which is believed to have derived from bats before reaching peak in human infections. Protecting animals from this virus aids in keeping them safe from extinction, but also is a way to help protect humans from virus transmission. 

So far according to scientists, vaccinated black-footed ferrets have appeared to be healthy, and blood work in the species has shown SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. 

However, it is still not clear whether or not the vaccine actually protects against the virus, similar to the just realized Covid-19 for humans.