TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In an effort to stamp out Taiwan’s rabies epidemic among Formosan ferret-badgers, Hualien County Government is offering cash rewards for people who turn in dead ferret-badgers to the authorities. 

The animals are considered a reservoir species for the rabies virus in Taiwan, with over 95% of rabies cases in Taiwan reported since 2013 traced to the species. In order to improve data on the range of ferret-badgers and the prevalence of the virus, local authorities will offer NT$500 (US$15) to people who find ferret-badger cadavers, with a maximum reward of NT$1,000 if two are found by the same person. 

According to a press release, the Hualien County Department of Animal Welfare has asked for the public’s cooperation to ensure the success of Taiwan’s epidemic prevention policy. The government warns that despite decreasing case numbers, rabies is still a dangerous disease with a high mortality rate for animals and people. 

From November 2023 to July 2024, there were11 cases of ferret-badgers infected with rabies found in Hualien County. Authorities hope to gather more data to strengthen prevention policies, with the primary goal of preventing the epidemic from spreading northward.

Although Taiwan was thought to be entirely free of rabies in 1961, the disease was likely reintroduced to Taiwan sometime in the early 2000s. A 2015 study of ferret-badgers carcasses submitted between 2010 and 2013, found that about 50% of them were infected with rabies, which means the species represents a significant reservoir for the virus. 

People should not go out of their way to intentionally hunt the animals, but should only report or submit ferret-badgers that are already dead when discovered. While people are advised to leave the living creatures alone, if a ferret-badger displays rabid and threatening behavior, it should be reported to the authorities for culling.

The press release says that ferret-badger carcasses can be submitted to the nearest government office in Hualien, and after the individual’s information has been recorded, they will receive the cash reward. The ferret-badgers that are collected will be tested as part of a long-term study that will continue until the end of the year. 

The government also reminds people to get their pets vaccinated for rabies, and to avoid exposing them to contact with wild animals, especially in rural, mountainous areas.