Virus outbreak in dogs causes Columbia Animal Shelter to limit intakes, officials say
The outbreak of a virus affecting dogs has caused the Columbia Animal Shelter to temporarily stop providing refuge and care for new animals, according to Animal Services officials.
Pneumovirus has spread in dogs at the shelter, officials said Monday in a news release. It’s believed that the virus was brought in from an outside source, according to the release.
“Pneumovirus is a virus that causes respiratory illness, in which symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge and difficulty breathing,” officals said in the release. “There are no vaccinations to protect or treat canines from this virus, therefore it is critically important the shelter exercise immediate quarantine and treatment of its infected population.”
In some cases, dogs that were diagnosed with pneumovirus died or had to be euthanized, Today.com reported.
Because of the outbreak, the shelter near Exit 6 on Interstate 77 is taking action to protect its current population in addition to pets in the community. One step is limiting all intakes to emergencies only — meaning the only new additions to the shelter will be sick or injured animals, or those who are connected to animal cruelty investigations, officials said.
The move is in effect for the next two weeks, according to the release.
“At this time, the shelter will be unable to accommodate pet relinquishment on behalf of owners,” officials said.
While the shelter won’t house most new animals in need, it will continue to offer other forms of help to find a place for those animals to receive care.
“The shelter is able to offer resources to pet owners who need to rehome their pets, to include basic vetting, food and pet rehoming resources,” officials said. “Citizens who find stray animals are encouraged to house the animal and seek the animal’s owner or exercise self-rehoming if efforts to find the owner are unsuccessful. The shelter can offer resources for suggested efforts.”
Anyone looking for more information can go to www.animalservices.columbiasc.gov or call 803-776-PETS.
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