Citizens Concerned Over Rats; Taipei EPB: Enhanced Disinfection Shows Phased Results
Taipei Environmental Protection Bureau reported a 70% decrease in rat sightings in March compared to February following intensified disinfection and poisoning. The city is also mandating rat-proofing at construction sites to prevent pests from surfacing.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 22:22
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 22:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 22:35 (3 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Taipei, April 28) - Hsu Shih-hsun, Director of the Taipei City Government Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB), stated today that intensified rodenticide application and disinfection efforts have shown phased results. This is reflected in citizen reports, where the ratio of dead rat reports has increased by 1.8 times.
Recently, a user on the social network Threads raised concerns about a family member being bitten by a rat while sleeping in Taipei's Zhongshan District, questioning when Mayor Chiang Wan-an would address the issue.
The EPB told CNA that they have been analyzing citizen reports and rodenticide applications. There were 90 reports in March, a 70% decrease compared to 258 reports in February.
Regarding citizens observing more rats killed on the road, questioning if construction projects like demolitions or foundation excavations are disturbing the ground and causing rats to flee, the EPB noted that construction vibrations can indeed cause rats to emerge. Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Tay-hsing requested the Building Administration Office and various agencies to implement appropriate rat-proofing measures during construction to avoid environmental harm during a meeting on April 17.
The EPB stated that the meeting required all city units to implement rodent control plans according to their responsibilities, actively handle issues, and strengthen inspections, reporting results every two weeks.
Recent rat-related incidents in Taipei have drawn significant attention, including rats entering the radiated tortoise exhibit at the Taipei Zoo. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the first Hanta virus death this year in January—a man in his 70s from Taipei with underlying chronic conditions who died eight days after onset. Four rats were captured near his home, two of which tested positive for Hanta virus antibodies.
Hanta virus syndrome is a zoonotic disease transmitted primarily by rodents. Humans can be infected by inhaling or touching dust or objects contaminated by rodent excreta (feces, urine, saliva) or through rat bites.
Recently, a user on the social network Threads raised concerns about a family member being bitten by a rat while sleeping in Taipei's Zhongshan District, questioning when Mayor Chiang Wan-an would address the issue.
The EPB told CNA that they have been analyzing citizen reports and rodenticide applications. There were 90 reports in March, a 70% decrease compared to 258 reports in February.
Regarding citizens observing more rats killed on the road, questioning if construction projects like demolitions or foundation excavations are disturbing the ground and causing rats to flee, the EPB noted that construction vibrations can indeed cause rats to emerge. Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Tay-hsing requested the Building Administration Office and various agencies to implement appropriate rat-proofing measures during construction to avoid environmental harm during a meeting on April 17.
The EPB stated that the meeting required all city units to implement rodent control plans according to their responsibilities, actively handle issues, and strengthen inspections, reporting results every two weeks.
Recent rat-related incidents in Taipei have drawn significant attention, including rats entering the radiated tortoise exhibit at the Taipei Zoo. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the first Hanta virus death this year in January—a man in his 70s from Taipei with underlying chronic conditions who died eight days after onset. Four rats were captured near his home, two of which tested positive for Hanta virus antibodies.
Hanta virus syndrome is a zoonotic disease transmitted primarily by rodents. Humans can be infected by inhaling or touching dust or objects contaminated by rodent excreta (feces, urine, saliva) or through rat bites.