TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A dead ferret badger discovered in Miaoli County’s Taian Township tested positive for rabies on Monday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Research Institute.

It was the third rabies case reported in the township and the twelfth in the county since 2023. So far, rabies cases have been confined to wild animals living in mountainous areas, per CNA.

Four rabies cases have been found in Zhuolan Township, three in Taian Township, one in Nanzhuang Township, three in Dahu Township, and one in Sanyi Township. All cases are still limited to wild ferret badgers.

In response to the new rabies case, the county government said it would send veterinarians to households in Taian Township on March 21-22 to give dogs and cats rabies vaccination booster shots. At the same time, it will strengthen patrols in high-risk areas to prevent the spread of rabies to pets.

Miaoli County officials remind the public to follow the "2 Don'ts and 1 Do" rule when protecting their pets from rabies. Do not let your dogs and cats roam freely and without a leash, do not come into contact or otherwise capture wild animals, and do take dogs or cats for a rabies vaccination every year.

If people are accidentally scratched or bitten by a wild animal or stray dog or cat suspected to have rabies, rinse the wound with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes, later disinfecting it with betadine or 70% alcohol. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, and the case should be reported to the animal protection office for follow-up handling.