Taiwan: 2013 Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

[Shiloh]

Source: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aopn/201307270012.aspx

China Times: Rabies outbreak exposes loopholes in disease monitoring
2013/07/27 16:54:06

In recent weeks, rabies has emerged in Taiwan, around 80 wild Formosan ferret-badgers have been found dead and there has also been a case in which a man was bitten by a rabid Formosan ferret-badger.

These are all signs that rabies, which had been wiped out in Taiwan for more than 50 years, is spreading throughout the country.

This poses a serious challenge for Taiwan's disease prevention and control efforts and exposes many loopholes in the network...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2013/07/28/384933/Confirmed-rabies.htm

Confirmed rabies cases limited to
By Ann Yu ,The China Post
July 28, 2013, 12:00 am TWN

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Confirmed rabies cases are currently limited to six Formosan ferret-badgers, the government said yesterday, but tests are pending on other dead animals found across the nation.

The government has been fervently inspecting the remains of possibly infected animals, including of a civet and a ferret-badger found in Yunlin and Nantou, respectively.

The Council of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHI) confirmed yesterday that a house shrew which viciously attacked a woman in Taitung County has tested positive for the rabies-like lyssavirus.

The BAPHI stressed that the lyssavirus type found in the animal is a ?rabies-like? genotype 3 of the virus and is different than the classic rabies virus of genotype 1.

According to the BAPHI, the woman was in her house on Wednesday night when the house shrew attacked her ? an unusual action considering the rodent's usually mild temperament...

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Taiwan confirms second animal species infected with rabies (update)

2013/07/30 22:08:21

Taipei, July 30 (CNA) An Asian house shrew has been confirmed to have been infected with rabies, the Cabinet's Council of Agriculture said Tuesday.

Until the shrew case, all 14 cases of animal infections had been found in wild Formosan ferret-badgers since Taiwan notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of confirmed rabies infections July 17.
...
A wildlife ecologist at Tunghai University said there are millions of house shrews in Taiwan and that they live close to human habitation, making it easier for them than wild ferret-badgers to pass on rabies to humans.
...

(By Yang Shu-ming and Scully Hsiao)
ENDITEM/J


http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201307300043.aspx

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Translation Google

Money mice infected ferret badger bite prevention plus rodent

Council of Agriculture announced tonight that 23 day money Taitung City censorship mouse rabies diagnosis, experts speculate that the epidemic is still the focus ferret badger, shrew was bitten by infected ferret badger, still the first re 6 counties mountain man and animal vaccination, coupled with the rodent.

COA convene an extraordinary press conference tonight announced 23 day submission Township, Taitung County woman was running into a house shrew brush case, has completed the rabies virus genome sequence alignment, is positive, this is the 14 cases diagnosed ferret badger After cross-species first one case.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Council of Agriculture Secretary Zhang Shuxian said that money is insectivore rat, not a mouse, unlike rodents climbing walls, urged people to clean up the home kitchen, gutters should cleanse and clear the weeds to prevent it hiding in the bushes, can also be used to capture mousetrap prevention.

She had been provided Taitung one million doses of vaccine, the case also asked the local government after the start rodent. COA Minister Chen Baoji that contains ferret badgers, rats and rodents have money to expand monitoring, COA Special Health Centre will commence on mountain wildlife monitoring, there is no case will be posted.

In addition, the shrew case because the woman who received treatment without bloodshed, Taitung County Health Department did not assess vaccination. However, the Director of Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, said Zhang Fengyi, the future money rat bites people, medical treatment will also assess vaccination.

Due to the current literature is only 1972 occurred in Africa shrew bites two people are infected with the virus type III Lisa Mokola , died allegedly as a result of medical backward, but also non-Lisa virus type rabies virus Rabies , so the outside world care about this case whether it is the world's first case of rabies infected mice money?

National Taiwan University College of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Fei Chang Yong and Pang Fei said, literature is not, it does not mean that the first case. However, the COA will be notified in accordance with provisions of the OIE ( OIE ).

COA Minister Chen Baoji say that money ends rat in the food chain, the influence of the relatively low spread, called on the people without undue worry.

National Taiwan University Animal Hospital Liu Zhenxuan that 2010 , the United States took place on 6514 pieces of animal rabies cases, including dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats and cattle seven species, but people only occur two cases; Taiwan has only 14 cases Ferret Badger, a case of money rats, other species are not, people do not panic.

Fei Chang Yong said that, OIE data show that people infected with rabies 99.9% are infected dog; so as long as people follow health education, with dogs, cats play the vaccine, and the people not to touch wild animals, if they are bitten by an animal, wash the wound soon after medical treatment can be. 07-30

http://www.taiwandaily.net/gp2.aspx?_p=kSF1c9zU9HRVNQO3btBCwG0678XX1FFR

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Translation Google

Taiwan mice infected with rabies found the money for the first cross-species transmission

July 30, 2013 23:50:18 Source: Xinhua 0

Taipei, July 30 Xinhua (Reporter Pei Chuang Li Hanfang) Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine departments in Taiwan received the evening of 30 Animal Health Research Bulletin, for the 25th submission by the Taitung Bed and touch into one case to the people Moles, positive test results for the suspect, after the gene sequence alignment after the diagnosis of rabies . This is confirmed in Taiwan following the ferret badger rabies after the first case of cross-species transmission.

For money mouse (an insectivore) infected with rabies cases, the department said, rodent or insect-eating animals, is the accidental infection of rabies, the world is no money mice infected with rabies reports. Taiwan University College of Veterinary Medicine Adjunct Professor Yeh Li-sen said, money mouse not a mouse, the two are animals belonging to different purposes. Money mice with a virus, is the phenomenon of cross-species transmission, presumably ferret badger rabies virus to put money mouse.

Taiwan Phytosanitary department said that in addition to the original dogs, bats and carnivores, wildlife monitoring, will strengthen the relevant regional money mouse monitored.

As of the 30th, were found in 14 cases in Taiwan confirmed ferret badgers infected with rabies, have not yet found cases of people infected with rabies.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/2013-07/30/c_125091472.htm

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Rabies outbreak jumps species in Taiwan

<TIME itemprop="datePublished" pubdate="" datetime="2013-07-31T10:35-04:00">Published July 31, 2013</TIME>AFP

TAIPEI (AFP) ? Pet owners in Taiwan were rushing to inoculate their animals on Wednesday after the first case of rabies in a shrew was confirmed, fuelling fears that an outbreak of the disease is spreading between species.

Health authorities on the island have been battling to contain a rabies outbreak among so-called ferret-badgers, with at least 18 cases among the weasel-like animals confirmed so far.

On Wednesday officials confirmed the disease had spread to a shrew, fuelling fears that it could mutate further to affect domestic pets -- greatly increasing the risk to humans.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/31/rabies-outbreak-jumps-species-in-taiwan/#ixzz2aeE0cmLm

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Taiwan reports four more rabies cases

2013/07/31 16:04:24

Taipei, July 31 (CNA) Four more wild Formosan ferret-badgers have been reported to be infected with rabies, bringing the number of confirmed rabies cases in Taiwan to 19 since an outbreak was reported July 17, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said Wednesday.

The four cases were detected in two new affected areas in Nantou County's Jhushan and Caotun townships, the council stated.

As of July 31, a total of 61 wild carnivorous animals had been tested for rabies and 18 Formosan ferret-badgers and one Asian house shrew, were reported positive for the disease, it said.

The shrew, which was caught in a house in eastern Taiwan's Taitung County last week, was the first animal confirmed to be infected other than ferret-badgers.

Experts suggested that the shrew was not a rabies carrier and was infected after being bitten by a ferret-badger, according to COA Minister Chen Bao-ji.
Chen said in a radio interview that 15 townships in mountainous areas in six cities and counties had reported cases of infected Formosan ferret-badgers.

More...
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201307310019.aspx

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Taiwan on high alert for rabies outbreak

English.news.cn 2013-08-03 07:30:44

...
Another case of rabies in a ferret-badger was found in Taichung City on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed rabies cases to 22 on the island, including one case of an infected Asian house shrew, the island's Epidemic Command Center for Rabies, which was set up on Thursday, said at a press conference on Friday.
...
The island's health authorities said the transmission of the rabies virus between members of the same species is common.

However, when the virus spreads between different species, as in the case of its spread from infected ferret-badgers to an Asian house shrew, "that becomes something alarming, because it creates complications in curbing the disease," said Chen Bao-ji, a zoo technician as well as a commander of the center.

So far, six counties and cities, including Nantou, Yunlin, Taitung, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, have reported rabies cases.

Killing rats has become a focus in epidemic control measures since a rabid Asian house shrew was caught last week in a house in Taitung County.

The county's environmental protection authority purchased 2,000 traps. That supply of traps has been depleted, and even hardware stores are currently out of stock.
...

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/health/2013-08/03/c_132597969.htm

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Translation Google

Heating rabies epidemic in Taiwan to expand

August 4, 2013 20:40:49
Source: Xinhua

Xinhua Taipei, Aug. 4 (Reporter Li Hanfang Pei Chuang) has been extinct in

Taiwan more than 50 years of rabies recent epidemic continues to heat up. Taiwan's "Rabies Epidemic Command Center" 4 announced, the current total of seven counties and cities in 25 towns become infected, were detected in 38 cases ferret badger, one case of rabies confirmed shrew.

The center said that the current epidemic occurrence region seven counties (Taichung City, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Nantou County, Taitung County) 25 towns, ferret badgers infected animal species still dominated.

Reporters recently in Chiayi, Nantou counties saw an interview, the current Alishan, Cingjing Farm and other scenic spots have been posted notices marked "as Fangdu rabies infection and spread of the epidemic, from now on not to bring pets admission to avoid drinking cross-infection.

It is understood that Taiwan 22 Forest Recreation Area ban people from bringing any pets, even pet vaccinated are not allowed. The play area also includes the well-known mainland tourists to Kenting, Jhihben other regions.

Taiwan's "COA" Anti seized Secretary Zhang Shuxian, said people should avoid contact with wild animals, and should be home pet vaccinations, travel department chains, as long as the pet dogs, cats vaccination rate of 80%, there would be no human massive rabies risk, and called for Tourists vigilant.

Epidemic Center announced that the current first echelon of high-risk groups, that is, for the first line of animal epidemic prevention staff has completed the first dose of vaccine to 300 people; 5 August onwards, will start the second echelon of 1,000 people vaccinated operations. In addition, since last May 1 to July 31 this year, has been arrested ferret badger bite people, you can call 1922 line, assess the need for rabies vaccine.

Rabies epidemic continue to burst also increased public panic. Recently, there have been abandoned pets in Taiwan, killing stray dogs and other events. In this regard, Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said Taiwan eradicated rabies in 52 years, is now making a comeback, but in fact "not so terrible", the vaccine is adequate, and the epidemic is still in control, urge people not to panic.

Ferret badger, also known as Mei son, mountain badger, usually perched at an altitude of 1000 meters below the woods bushes, mounds, stones, earth hole in the fruit, insects, small animals and worms for food. Physical characteristics of its large head, pig nose, the "painted face Beaver" "little dolphin cat" and so-called. Up to now, Taiwan has not yet clarified the relevant units susceptible ferret badger rabies virus causes.

http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/news.xinhuanet.com/health/2013-08/04/c_116804538.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Source: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201308050015.aspx

Rabies confirmed in 4 more wild Formosan ferret-badgers
2013/08/05 15:01:48

Taipei, Aug. 5 (CNA) Another four wild Formosan ferret-badgers have tested positive for rabies, health authorities said Monday, bringing the number of confirmed infections in animals in Taiwan to 40 since an outbreak was reported in mid-July...

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Rabies detected in 4 more ferret-badgers

2013/08/07 12:29:58

Taipei, Aug. 7 (CNA) Another four wild Formosan ferret-badgers have been determined to be infected with rabies, bringing the number of confirmed rabies cases in animals in Taiwan to 49 since an outbreak was reported in mid-July, authorities said Wednesday.

The new cases were found in Chihshang Township in Taitung County, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center.
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http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201308070011.aspx

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

As 4 more rabies cases confirmed in ferret-badgers on August 6, 2013, CECC to reinforce vaccination of cats and dogs in mountainous areas ( 2013-08-08 )


On August 6, 2013, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for rabies tested a total of 72 specimens for rabies virus, including 4 specimens collected from ferret-badgers in Taitung County and Taichung City, which were tested positive for the virus, another 21 specimens collected from ferret-badgers in New Taipei City (13), Hulaien County (3), Keelung City (2), Taichung City (1), Nantou City (1), and Taitung County (1), 7 specimens collected from masked palm civets in New Taipei City (2), Miaoli County (1), Taichung City (1), Changhua County (1), Tainan City (1), and Hualien County (1), as well as 12 specimens collected from house shrews, 10 specimens collected from house rats, 8 specimens collected from squirrels, 4 specimens collected from cats, 2 specimens collected from brown rats, 1 specimen collected from a groundhog, 1 specimen collected from a white-faced flying squirrel, 1 specimen collected from a bat and 1 specimen collected from a dog in Taoyuan County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Taitung County, and Hualien County. Besides the 4 specimens collected from ferret-badgers that were tested positive for rabies virus, none of the other 68 specimens were tested positive for the virus. As of August 6, a total of 159 specimens collected from carnivorous wild animals, excluding 48 specimens collected from ferret-badgers that were tested positive for rabies virus, all tested negative for the virus. Thus far, the incidence of rabies in wild animals has been detected in 8 cities and counties in the nation. Ferret-badgers remain the primary animal infected. In response to the identification of new rabies cases in animals, CECC continued to distribute animal rabies vaccines to the counties affected by rabies, including 300 doses to Hsinchu County and 500 doses to Taitung County to reinforce the vaccination of cats and dogs in the mountainous areas and the hunting hounds the aboriginal people keep. In addition, vaccine suppliers have imported 403,000 doses of rabies vaccine, which arrived in two separate batches on August 5 and 6, 2013 and have obtained customs clearance. Relevant authorities have sped up related formalities to ensure successful distribution of the vaccine beginning August 9.

According to CECC, as of August 7, the ?Ferret-Badger Bite Safety Program? to vaccinate unvaccinated people who have been bitten or scratched by a ferret-badger in the past year against rabies has received a total of 11 applications for rabies vaccination. Of the applications, 9 are ferret-badger bite cases that involved category III contact, which includes single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin; contamination of mucous membrane with saliva from licks, with the suspected rabid animal, while the risk of developing rabies is eliminated in the other 2 cases. The dates of exposure for the 9 ferret-badger bite cases respectively are November 2012 (1), December 2012 (1), January 2013 (3), April 2013 (2), May 2013 (1), and June 2013 (1). 6 cases have received the vaccine. CECC once again stresses that sufficient human rabies vaccines have been distributed to 54 hospitals with a stockpile of the vaccine. Front-line animal health personnel, including animal control workers, animal shelter workers, and veterinarians, are once again urged to receive the pre-exposure rabies vaccine at the designated hospital when notified by the competent health authority as soon as possible. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination consists of three doses of the vaccine given on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28. The general public is advised not to panic and as rabies is transmitted through animal bites and scratches, take the following precautions to ward off the disease: avoid touching, capturing, feeding and picking up wild animals and ensure pets receive vaccination against rabies in a timely manner.

According to statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, between 4pm on August 5 and 4pm on August 6, 2013, a total of 156 new animal bite cases applying for rabies vaccine were received. Of the applications, 122 have been approved, including 26 applications from Taipei, 19 applications from northern Taiwan, 28 applications from central Taiwan, 20 applications from southern Taiwan, 24 applications from Kaohsiung and Pingtung, 4 applications from eastern Taiwan, and 1 application from out of the country. At the time of writing, an accumulative total of 1,410 animal bite cases applying for rabies vaccine have been received. Of the applications, 937 have been approved, including 154 applications from Taipei, 137 applications from northern Taiwan, 237 applications from central Taiwan, 165 applications from southern Taiwan, 169 applications from Kaohsiung and Pingtung, 64 applications from eastern Taiwan, and 11 applications from out of the country. 19 applications were approved for the use of HRIG and 17 of them have received the prophylaxis.

CECC once again reminds the public to not touch, hunt, capture, feed and keep wild animals as well as not abandon their pets and ensure their pets are properly vaccinated in a timely manner. If unusual behaviors, including difficulty in swallowing (not eating and drinking), fearfulness, increased urination, increased sensitivity to light or aggressiveness, are observed in animals, please report the sightings of animals with such behaviors to the local animal epidemic prevention agencies (Reporting hotline: 0800-761-590).

When bitten or scratched by animals, please remember to take the following 4 steps: 1.Remember: Try to remain calm and remember the characteristics of the biting animal; 2. Wash: Immediately wash the wound with soap and an ample amount of clean water for 15 minutes and then disinfect the wound with iodine or 70% alcohol; 3. Seek: Seek prompt medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk of infection; and 4. Observe: Try to detain the biting animal for a 10-day observation if possible. However, do not risk capturing the animal if it gets violent. For more information on rabies prevention, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922, or 0800-024582 if calling from a cell phone. For more information on outbreaks of animal diseases, please visit the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ)?s website at http://www.baphiq.gov.tw or call the Council of Agriculture?s hotline, 0800-761-590.

http://www.cdc.gov.tw/english/info....wtreeid=D3C5BBCF8E60CF3D&tid=9F7FDCC2CBC10E52

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

US disease experts arrive in Taiwan to help out in rabies prevention drive

CNA
August 12, 2013, 11:19 am TWN

TAIPEI -- Four experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have arrived in Taiwan to provide assistance with rabies prevention, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control said yesterday in a press release.

The U.S. medical group, comprising two epidemiologists, a veterinarian epidemiologist, and a wild-animal ecologist, arrived in Taiwan on Saturday night and will stay for one or two weeks, according to the press release.

These experts will hold meetings with local professionals to provide risk assessment for rabies, suggestions for monitoring wild animals, and assessment of the feasibility of administering oral vaccines to wild animals, the press release stated.
...

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2013/08/12/386225/US-disease.htm

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Another rabies case confirmed in Taiwan; total now 78

2013/08/12 13:34:21

Taipei, Aug. 12 (CNA) Another Formosan ferret-badger has tested positive for rabies, bringing the number of confirmed infections in wild animals to 78 since the deadly disease resurfaced in Taiwan in mid-July after 52 years, authorities said Monday.

The new infection was found in Beinan, Taitung County, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center for Rabies.

It is the first time since the reemergence of the disease that a case has been confirmed in the eastern Taiwan township, the center said.
...
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201308120008.aspx

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Source: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201308270031.aspx

Confirmed rabies cases rise to 104 in Taiwan
2013/08/27 21:26:36

Taipei, Aug. 27 (CNA) The health authorities confirmed Tuesday three new cases of rabies in ferret-badgers, bringing the number of reported rabies infections to 104 since mid-July, when the first rabies case in Taiwan for more than 50 years was reported..

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Source: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/09/07/2003571570

Sat, Sep 07, 2013 - Page 4　
Rabies returned to Taiwan as early as 2010: COA
By Alison Hsiao / Staff reporter

A retrospective study conducted by the Council of Agriculture (COA) shows that the rabies virus has been present in Taiwan for at least three years, as five of the 13 Formosan ferret-badger samples preserved since July 2010 have recently been tested and found to be positive for rabies, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said yesterday.

A total of 17 ferret-badgers preserved by the council?s Endemic Species Research Institute had been sent for testing, four of which lacked enough brain tissue to be tested...

 

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Re: Taiwan: Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Taiwan confirms first rabies in dog

POSTED: 10 Sep 2013 11:47 PM

TAIPEI: Taiwanese health authorities on Tuesday renewed a call for owners to inoculate their pets after confirming a case of rabies in a dog, as the island struggles with its first outbreak of the disease in decades.

The 45-day old puppy developed symptoms of rabies on Friday after it was attacked by a ferret-badger in Haituan, a remote township in the south-eastern Taitung county.

A total of 124 ferret-badgers and a shrew were found to have carried the disease since May last year, the first outbreak since 1959.

Taiwan is now listed as a rabies-affected area by the Paris-headquartered World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Tuesday's case prompted authorities to renew their call on domestic pet owners to inoculate their animals.
...

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-confirms-first/808790.html

 

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Re: Taiwan: 2013 Rabies outbreak in ferret-badgers

Source: http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=216951&ctNode=445

Taiwan scientists trace origin of rabies outbreak
Publication Date：05/01/2014
Source： United Daily News

A team led by Victor Fei Pang, professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine of Taipei City-based National Taiwan University, found that the rabies outbreak last year among Taiwan ferret badgers was caused by a cryptically circulating endemic strain of the virus, rather than animals from mainland China as previously thought.

The results were published May 1 in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, produced by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Between the beginning of the outbreak in July last year and the end of August, 105 ferret badgers, or Melogale moschata subaurantiaca, were found with rabies. But the research by Pang shows that the disease was already present in Taiwan between 2002 and 2014...