Unfortunately, the fox and her cubs had to be euthanised
An aggressive fox that bit nine different people on Capitol Hill reportedly had rabies and those attacked are now being chased down in order to be given a series of vital rabies shots.
US Capitol Police confirmed they had captured the animal on Tuesday after it was spotted around the Dirksen and Russell Senate Offices, as well as the US Capitol building itself.
Local officials are now urging visitors and Washington DC residents to report any other encounters with aggressive, sick or injured foxes following the biting spree.
#BREAKING: Captured. pic.twitter.com/LJAn2ZjH9J
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 5, 2022
The DC Department of Health issued a statement informing that “Since the mother tested positive for the rabies virus and the kits could have been exposed during grooming or other means, they were no longer able to be safely rehabilitated and were humanely euthanized”.
The department also went on to confirm that track, trace and treatment procedures are now being carried out regarding the nine individuals bitten by the Capitol Hill fox.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: "The DC Public Health lab has confirmed the fox that was captured yesterday tested positive for the rabies virus. DC Health is contacting all human victims who were bitten by the fox. "
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) April 6, 2022
Among those believed to have been bitten were a number were journalists and members of congress crossing the Capitol lawn and heading to work as normal. The animal had also become a popular sight around the area, even inspiring its own parody Twitter account entitled @TheCapitolFox.
Politico reporter Ximena Bustillo joked on Twitter, “You’re telling me I survived three years of a pandemic to be bit by a rabid fox”; meanwhile, Sacramento state representative Ami Bera posted an update following his first of four rabies shots assuring his colleagues and constituents that he’s “healthy” and holds “no grudge”.
Thanks everyone for the well wishes! I feel healthy and am glad to be back at work.
Despite the dustup, I hold no grudge or ill will against @thecapitolfox. Hoping the 🦊 and its family are safely relocated and wishing it a happy and prosperous future. https://t.co/ys9aifa2MN
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) April 6, 2022
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