Animal Protective Services has temporarily closed due to an outbreak of parvovirus.
APS posted on social media Monday evening that the shelter will be closed until Aug. 28 for a deep cleaning. This is the first outbreak of parvo at the shelter since a major upgrade last year improved sanitation at the facility.
Shelter staff found out about the shutdown Monday evening after closing hours. Several puppies adopted through the shelter in recent days tested positive for the deadly virus.
All adoptions and intakes have been put on hold while the shelter is sanitized. Unwanted and stray dogs are still being reported to APS, but with the shelter closed, only emergency cases such as suspected rabies or injuries can be picked up by shelter staff.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but is worst in unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Parvo is a gastrointestinal virus that can be transmitted directly between dogs, through contact with infected feces, and even carried by human contact. Canine parvovirus does not affect humans or cats.
“It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying… Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects,” the AVMA said on its website.
The virus can be prevented with regular vaccinations.
To prevent spread of the illness, the shelter is sanitizing all pens, floors, beds, food and water dishes, and other surfaces where the virus can survive. Animals at the shelter that tested positive are being treated, APS personnel said.
In the meantime, volunteer fosters are needed for dogs and puppies that have not been admitted to the shelter. Only animals that have not been inside the building will be available.
If you would like to be an emergency foster, call 910.641.3945.
Tank, a parvovirus survivor.
Signs of parvovirus
Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
All intakes and adoptions have been put on hold through Aug. 28. You can, however, still help. Emergency fosters for dogs are needed. This is ONLY for animals that have NOT been in the shelter. Call 910.641.3945.
