The Fluvanna County animal shelter says it is in dire need of foster families after a stray puppy at the shelter was diagnosed with distemper, forcing the facility to temporarily shut down its kennels.
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of animals. The mortality rate for canine distemper is about 50% in adult dogs and 80% in puppies.
The Fluvanna SPCA said that it will continue to take in strays, as it is required by law, but county residents who come across a stray are asked not to bring it into the shelter.
“If you find a stray, please try to keep it until an owner is found,” the shelter said in a statement issued July 4.
Furthermore, the shelter will not be accepting any surrendered dogs under any circumstances.
“All owner surrenders will not be allowed until we are in the clear. No exceptions. Limiting dog movement and reducing overcrowding is our best option in controlling this.”
According to the shelter, it is the first time in nine years that a dog there has tested positive for distemper.
“We feel it is very important to be as transparent as possible,” the shelter said in its statement. “Said puppy had given it to one other pup and we pray it stops there. However, due to how contagious and how scary this virus can be, we are taking all precautions to protect other dogs by shutting down our kennels.”
The shelter estimated its kennels will remain closed for the next three weeks, at a minimum, in order to prevent any other animals getting sick.
The SPCA said it will be “fast-tracking” fostering for its most vulnerable dogs.
“With vet advice and research, we are told that if a family is interested in fostering and has no other dogs and will not have other dogs visit their property, we can foster non-symptomatic dogs to homes that are diligent and follow all protocols suggested,” the shelter said. “This will help keep the population down at the shelter and lesson the spread.”
Fluvanna County dog owners are asked to be vigilant and keep their animals secured so they do not get loose.
“We do not want to risk them coming into the shelter,” said the SPCA.
Any dog that is admitted into the shelter will be administered a vaccine upon intake in order to prevent the spread of the virus, the shelter said, adding that it is in no way a guarantee.
The shelter’s cat wings remain open to the public, and the Fluvanna SPCA will continue to accept donations while its dog kennels are closed.
It has been a difficult week for the Fluvanna SPCA. A day before the puppy was diagnosed with distemper, the shelter said seven puppies tested positive for parvovirus.
Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that causes acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies. The virus spreads quickly and can be especially fatal to young puppies.
The SPCA was able to send the puppies away to Crossroads Animal Hospital in Zion Crossroads for emergency treatment.
“But of course in doing so we have racked up a few thousand dollar bill,” the shelter said in a statement.
Shelter leaders ask that anyone in a position to help, contribute to cover the cost of the bill. Donations can be made by calling Crossroads Animal Hospital directly at (540) 832-1751.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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