Official: Fox in Va. attack had rabies

SUFFOLK, Va., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A fox that attacked a 73-year-old man in Suffolk, Va., has tested positive for rabies, an official has confirmed.

Suffolk city spokeswoman Debbie George said the man who was suddenly attacked by the wild animal in his home's yard last weekend has already begun rabies treatment since the animal tested positive for the disease, The (Newport News, Va.) Daily News said Thursday.

After being attacked by the fox Saturday, the unidentified man managed to capture and stun the animal.

Animal Control officials took possession of the injured fox and later euthanized the animal.

Samples taken from the animal were given to the Virginia Environmental Health Department for rabies testing and the state group's tests found the fox had been rabid prior to the attack, the Daily News said.