On July 16, 2013, Taiwan—which previously had enjoyed rabies-free status for five decades—had a confirmed case of rabies in a Formosan ferret-badger. The COA immediately launched emergency response measures, including: (a) providing free rabies vaccinations to dogs and cats in high-risk areas, to create a protection zone; (b) working through the media to inform the public and increase awareness of rabies prevention; (c) increasing surveillance for rabies to ensure a firm grasp of data relevant to the situation; (d) opening a special hotline (0800-761-590) for reporting suspected rabies cases.

As of the end of 2013, a total of 3,089 potential cases had been investigated and tested. Of these, 276 rabies-positive ferret-badgers, one house shrew, and one puppy (which had been bitten by a ferret-badger that tested positive) were confirmed as having rabies. The distribution of the disease was effectively limited to wild ferret-badgers living in mountainous regions, indicating that the emergency response measures were a success.

However, although the outbreak was under control, given that there is an incubation period for rabies, epidemic prevention work could not be relaxed. Therefore the COA:

1. Continued investigation of possible cases of rabies: We expanded the scope of investigation and testing beyond wild animals to include dogs and cats in townships where there had been confirmed cases. Also, district offices of the COA’s Forestry Bureau conducted passive testing by collecting and testing carnivores that were killed by traffic (roadkill) or showed unusual behavior, as well as by testing carnivores that were taken in by the national system of wild-animal shelters. Finally, on-the-spot investigations were conducted in areas where special cases required special attention.

2. Acted to raise the rabies vaccination rate: The COA strengthened public awareness campaigns, bringing the national vaccination rate for rabies to 70%; also, we provided free vaccinations, bringing the vaccination rate up to 90% in high risk-areas such as (a) townships where confirmed cases were discovered, (b) Indigenous People’s communities in mountainous areas, and (c) nine cities and counties where ferret-badgers had been sighted though no rabies cases had occurred. We also set out a program, to go into effect in January of 2014, to strengthen enforcement of the law (including fines) against pet owners who had not yet immunized their pets against rabies.

3. Intensified animal management: We intensified efforts to promote owner responsibility of pets, focusing especially on reducing pet abandonment and increasing vaccination rates; we also strengthened management of stray dogs and cats, continuing to communicate with animal protection groups to seek the most appropriate management methods.

4. Established regional screening labs: The COA provided funds to departments of veterinary medicine at universities to establish regional preliminary rabies screening labs, raising the volume and effectiveness of screening while reducing screening times. This measure ensured that the COA’s Animal Health Research Institute could focus on (a) cases of humans bit by animals; (b) transport and follow-up testing on animals found positive for rabies by a preliminary screening; and (c) study of rabies epidemiology as well as development of testing and diagnostic tools.

5. Stockpiled vaccines: Taiwan has stockpiled a total of 250,000 doses of rabies vaccines for emergency response purposes. The figure was calculated based on the recent outbreak, taking into account requirements in high-risk areas including: (a) townships where confirmed cases of rabies were discovered, (b) Indigenous People’s communities in mountain areas, and (c) nine cities and counties where ferret-badgers were sighted, though no rabies cases were reported. If the stockpile falls below 150,000, a mechanism for additional purchases will automatically be started up.

6. Conducted research: The COA oversaw research in a number of areas. (a) Studies were conducted on Formosan ferret-badgers, including their distribution, density, habits, rabies prevalence, and conditions of transmission among different species. This research was especially useful for strategic planning for limiting the spread of the outbreak. (b) Epidemiological approaches were used to analyze and clarify the source of the rabies. (c) Trials were conducted on the suitability of using an oral rabies vaccine for ferret-badgers. (d) Finally, animal tests were conducted of the pathogenicity (virulence) of the ferret-badger rabies. All these tests were conducted with the greatest caution, with maximum application of the 3R principle (reduction, replacement, refinement) for animal testing, and under the close supervision of institutional committees (whose existence is required by law) responsible for overseeing the care and use of laboratory animals.

7. Restricted entry of household pets into woodlands: Once the rabies outbreak among Formosan ferret-badgers became known, the COA’s Forestry Bureau immediately asked people planning to hike in the mountains or to visit forest recreation areas or forest parks not to bring pets along, and to avoid feeding or having any contact with wild animals. On August 1, 2013, The Forestry Bureau announced a formal ban on bringing dogs or cats into 22 forest recreation areas and three forest parks.