Possible cases of dog flu and another viral canine disease have forced the Transylvania County animal shelter to close its doors to any new animals for at least two weeks.
The quarantine comes after the shelter’s veterinarian suspected the disease outbreak and sent tests to a diagnostic lab.
The shelter will not be accepting any new dogs or allowing members of the public to adopt any dogs from them while the quarantine is in place.
“Our goal is to limit exposure and isolate this outbreak for the safety of our shelter animals, your personal pets and all furry babies in our community. Animal Services staff will continue to provide their quality care for quarantined canines at the shelter,” a county press release stated.
Animal Service Officers will now focus on reuniting stray dogs with their owners while in the field because they will not be able to safely enter the shelter.
The county is asking that all dog owners be “extra cautious so that pets remain secure and are not roaming away from home.” They also urged owners to “make sure that your canine’s vaccinations are up to date and follow up with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or your pet presents with any of the symptoms.”
The two viruses – Canine Influenza and Canine Distemper – are serious, contagious diseases that can spread rapidly and lead to severe illness or even death, according to the county.
Symptoms include:
Canine Influenza:
- Coughing and nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Lethargy and fever
- Loss of appetite
Canine Distemper:
- Eye/nose discharge
- Fever and vomiting
- Coughing and labored breathing
- Seizures, twitching, or paralysis (advanced stages)
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