FAIRFAX, Va. (WUSA) - A sick fox reported by a local resident was rabid, according to the Fairfax Police Department.
A resident near Chain Bridge Rd. and Whitehead St. reported that a sick fox had been lying in his driveway for hours on Sept. 25. A City of Fairfax Police Department animal control officer responded and took the animal, visibly ailing, to a veterinary hospital, where it was euthanized.
The Fairfax County Health Department tested the fox and determined that it had the rabies virus. There was no report of human exposure to the fox.
To prevent the spread of rabies, residents are reminded to vaccinate all pet dogs and cats and keep them under control at all times. Adults, and especially children, are cautioned against approaching stray dogs, cats, or any wildlife, especially foxes and raccoons.
Signs in wildlife that might indicate rabies include snarling, growling, hissing, the animal biting itself or the animal approaching people.
Residents should report any animal showing such behavior to local police or animal control.