A rabies test was performed on the wild fox who bit nine Americans at the US Capitol.
A wild vixen that reportedly bit nine people – including a member of Congress and a reporter – in Washington, DC has been trapped and put to death on Wednesday, so a rabies test could be done. A litter of Fox Kits was also discovered by US authorities. Their fate remains unknown.
“The fox responsible for nine confirmed bites on Capitol Hill yesterday was captured and humanely euthanized so that rabies testing may be done,”The DC Department of Health announced Wednesday. “The fox was an adult female and her kits were found and captured this morning.”
According to authorities, no other foxes were seen on Capitol Hill grounds. “many” are present throughout the US capital district and the sight of them wouldn’t be uncommon. Officials are not currently conducting a general check-up on foxes. “working to determine next steps for the fox kits,”According to the health department.
Warning from the US Capitol police “aggressive fox encounters”The federal legislator was urged to remain calm and collected in his complex.
“It bit me from behind while I was walking,” Politico reporter Ximena Bustillo tweetedOn Tuesday. “I didn’t even see it. I’m from Idaho. It is not something I would want to pet!!”
Ami Bera (D.California) was also subject to attack and was shared with a photoLocal media shared his story about the punctured pants. According to him, the fox bit his leg in front. He scared it off using an umbrella. The fox then ran.
“I expect to get attacked if I go on Fox News, I don’t expect to get attacked by a fox,”Reporters were told he was referring to conservative-leaning Cable Outlet.
While Bera said the fox bite didn’t manage to break the skin,He eventually opted for rabies shots out of an abundance of caution.
“Despite the dustup, I hold no grudge or ill will against [the Capitol fox],” he tweeted on Wednesday, before the news of the vixen’s death. “Hoping the fox and its family are safely relocated and wishing it a happy and prosperous future.”
There is no treatment for rabies. However, there are four doses of rabies vaccine which should be given as soon as possible. The regimen is spread over two weeks. Along with wild bats, skunks, and raccoons in the US, foxes is one of the most commonly found wild animals that are rabid.
While the US Capitol grounds are normally busy with members of Congress, staff, press and tourists, they have seen a drastic reduction in foot traffic recently – due to both the Covid-19 lockdowns and the ramped-up security after the January 6, 2021 riot over the US presidential election results.
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