TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei launched a citywide rat control campaign Friday (May 8) that will run through Thursday amid heightened public concern over rodent-borne diseases such as hantavirus. The initiative involves comprehensive cleaning operations across all 12 administrative districts, targeting parks, alleys, and areas with accumulated debris, Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced.
The Department of Environmental Protection (北市環保局) will showcase the work of "Rat Detection and Prevention Specialists" (鼠類偵防師) on Wednesday (May 13). Commissioner Shyu Shyh-Shiun (徐世勲) reminded residents Monday (May 11) to report any rat carcasses found in public spaces by calling 1999, the city's general hotline.
The campaign began in Zhongshan District (中山區) and expanded to Datong, Wanhua, and Zhongzheng districts Monday. Nangang, Wenshan, and Neihu districts are scheduled for Tuesday, followed by Songshan, Daan, and Xinyi on Wednesday. Shilin and Beitou districts will conclude the effort Thursday. Chiang said the city mobilized resources from the environmental protection department, district cleaning teams, and various city agencies.
The department warned that rat sightings and deaths might increase during the cleanup. Residents should wear gloves, properly package any discovered rats, and disinfect the area with diluted bleach to minimize health risks. The Department of Urban Development (都發局) also requested regular rat infestation reports before and during construction for interior renovations and the demolition of aging buildings.
