Ferret owners have been urged to fight an EU ruling that excludes their pets from a foreign travel scheme.

The decision to exclude ferrets from the Pet Travel Scheme was taken because there is no blood test to accurately decide if vaccinated animals are immune from rabies.

The scheme, which mainly covers cats and dogs, means people traveling from the UK can take their pets abroad and return with them without having to put them into quarantine.

Ministers from the UK backed Europe's decision to effectively impose a ban after French officials ruled that ferrets were not vegetarian and likely to pose a greater risk.

Sadly it means that foreign destinations, such as Cap Ferrat, are out of bounds for anyone who cannot be parted from their furry friends.

Simon Bishop, owner of Ferret World, believed that the animal voted Pet of the Millennium was being used as a scapegoat.

"We are very, very worried. We can't understand why we are being singled out. People who went to the British championships want to take our pets abroad. Ferrets make perfect pets. You can teach them to do anything a dog can do, such as fetch a ball," said Bishop.

Lady Mary Fretwell of Passports for Pets symapthised with ferret owners.

"We have worked very strongly to change the quarantine laws in the UK but there are still some anomalies. Rabbits face a similar problem. There might be hope later on. I would tell ferret owners of the world to unite, organise and protest," she said.