BREVARD – Dogs at the Transylvania County Animal Service shelter in Brevard are under quarantine to contain canine diseases detected there. No dogs may be adopted or surrendered at the shelter for at least two weeks from May 6, according to an order from the county shelter’s veterinarian.
Two “serious” diseases were identified at the shelter earlier this week: canine influenza and canine distemper. A county press release said the viruses were brought to the shelter by “a recent intake.”
In a May 6 order, the animal shelter’s veterinarian, Beverly Hargus, said there was a “suspected disease outbreak” and that “diagnostic lab results” were pending.
County Manager Jaime Laughter told the Times-News that, as of May 8, one dog had been confirmed to have distemper and flu and other dogs in the shelter have also shown symptoms.
Depending on the results of pending lab tests for these symptomatic dogs, the two-week quarantine window might be extended. Laughter said this is the first instance of this kind of quarantine she’s aware of in the 11 years that she’s worked for the county.
Animal services are working with an epidemiologist and endocrinologist to coordinate treatment of sick dogs and prevent spread, she said.
“We actually maintain a live-release rate that’s equivalent to a no-kill shelter, even though we don’t brand ourselves as a no-kill shelter,” Laughter said, so, “I know that they’re providing the best care.”
What diseases were found at the animal shelter?
According to the county press release, canine influenza, or “dog flu,” is highly contagious and “causes symptoms similar to the human flu.”
Canine distemper is “a viral disease with no cure that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.”
Both are passed through the air by sneezing and coughing and by direct contact with other dogs or infected surfaces.
What are the symptoms of dog flu and distemper?
Dogs with canine influenza can present with coughing and nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy, fever and loss of appetite.
Dogs with distemper might show eye or nose discharge, fever, vomiting, coughing or difficulty breathing and nervous symptoms including seizures, twitching or paralysis in severe cases.
What should dog owners do?
“We are urging all dog owners to take immediate precautions against Canine Influenza and Canine Distemper — two serious, contagious diseases that can spread rapidly and lead to severe illness or even death,” the county said in a press release.
Laughter, the county manager, said these diseases are “very easily preventable with vaccines” and that this is “a reminder to make sure that (pets are) up to date on vaccinations.”
She said the shelter vaccinates animals as they come in and before they’re adopted, “but it does take a little bit of time for that immunity to establish.”
The county recommends owners keep their dogs apart from other dogs when canine illnesses are going around the community and keep them at home when they’re sick.
Laughter said the situation isn’t considered an “outbreak” because there hasn’t been community spread. She said to get in touch with a veterinarian if a pet shows symptoms of disease.
“All owners are asked to be extra cautious so that pets remain secure and are not roaming away from home” to avoid the possibility of stray dogs needing to enter the shelter and being exposed to disease, the county said in a press release.
George Fabe Russell is the Henderson County Reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Tips, questions, comments? Email him at GFRussell@gannett.com.
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