Cross-species infections of Formosan ferret-badger (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca) rabies from 2013 to 2021 in Taiwan

Abstract

This study is the first survey about the cross-species transmission of Formosan ferret-badger rabies worldwide. Only the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are the epidemic areas for this disease. In Taiwan, this disease first surfaced in 2013. There were 12 cases of cross-species transmission from 2013 to the end of 2021. These cases involved four species including one Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus), one 6-week-old puppy, nine masked palm civets (Paguma larvata), and one yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula). Among the 12 cases of cross-species transmission, only the puppy, yellow-throated marten, and two masked palm civets had health feature records. Ticks and maggots parasitized the yellow-throated marten, and no other animals were found to be ectoparasites infested. To sum up, the animals with health features manifested emaciated and/or immature features. Additionally, the 12 cases of cross-species transmission occurred in the mountainous area or the rural area rather than the urban area. The risks of cross-species infection of Formosan ferret-badger rabies were discussed by quoting related research reports in recent years.