The first case of ferret badger positive for rabies in Xihu Township, Miaoli. Animal Control Station strengthens epidemic prevention measures

The Miaoli County Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Center received a report from the public on September 14 that a dead ferret badger was found in Xihu Township. The results were recently released and confirmed to be rabies positive. It was the first ferret badger positive case of rabies in Xihu Township. The Animal Control Center has also begun to strengthen various epidemic prevention measures, and calls on the public not to touch ferrets, badgers or other wild animals with abnormal behavior or death, and to report them to relevant units as soon as possible for assistance.

The Animal Control Office stated that including the case in Xihu Township, there have been a total of 35 positive cases of rabies in wild ferrets and badgers in the county since March 2023, showing that rabies virus is still active among wild animals. The Animal Control Center has strengthened various epidemic prevention measures to reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

The Animal Control Office pointed out that it will hold additional vaccination sessions in the countryside. Together with the veterinarian from the Xihu Township Office and the village chief, they will go to the positive areas and surrounding villages to conduct door-to-door inspections of the dog breeding situation, and administer rabies vaccines to the owner dogs. For those who keep more than 10 dogs and cats in the positive area, free on-site rabies vaccination services will be provided.

In addition, inspections and captures will be strengthened around positive cases and high-risk areas to reduce the chances of contact between stray dogs and wild animals such as ferrets and badgers; we will continue to monitor the epidemic situation around positive cases and the vaccination status of dogs and cats, strengthen rabies prevention publicity, and improve dog and cat vaccine protection.

The Animal Control Center also reminded that for rabies prevention, everyone should remember the "two don'ts and one must" principle of not contacting wild animals, not abandoning dogs and cats, and regularly vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies every year. If you find a ferret, badger or other wild animal exhibiting abnormal behavior or dying, please do not touch it yourself and report it to relevant units as soon as possible for assistance.