The effect of captivity on the oral health of the critically endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Abstract

Black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes (Audubon and Bachman, 1851)), a North American species of mustelid, faced near extinction after westward expansion during the 20th century destroyed a majority of the population of prairie dogs (genus Cynomys Rafinesque, 1817), their primary food source. Fearing extinction of the black-footed ferret, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service captured the entire population between 1985 and 1987 and began a captive breeding program. While in captivity, the fertility and genetic diversity of the species was closely monitored; however, there is little information about other health consequences of this breeding program. For instance, the black-footed ferrets have been fed a diet that is very different than what they consume in the wild. How did the composition of this diet affect the oral health of these animals? An analysis of dentition of wild and captive black-footed ferrets reveals that calculus accumulation and periodontal diseases occurred with greater severity in captive black-footed ferrets, suggesting that such oral pathologies arose from the unnaturally soft diet fed to them. These findings offer insight into how mechanical properties of diet can affect oral health and how these dietary properties should be considered, not only in regard to the health of black-footed ferrets but also to the health of all mammals including humans.