Well, despite the rumors that circulate our experience over 19 and 1/2
years with ferrets from a range of places boils down to this:
 
Marshall Ferrets don't differ at all from the general pack in terms of
health or longevity.
 
The Federal inspections (recent ones, not old and outdated ones) find NO
violations in terms of conditions, though, obviously, farms aren't as
loving as responsible good homes (but farms are far better than bad back
yard breeders).
 
If you personally object to health research in general then buy from
others.  If you object based upon the TYPES of research then find out
WHAT they are being used for from REPUTABLE sources and do know that some
which were used to help develop influenza vaccines have been adopted out
afterward in the past to some FML members.
 
If you want the best health and longevity then find a loving, private
breeder who also breeds for health and longevity and has the records to
prove it (as opposed to one who places appearance/show-winnings first
instead).
[Posted in FML issue 3560]