Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is experiencing an outbreak of upper respiratory infection at its shelter. The Division has identified several cases of Canine Respiratory Coronavirus Disease in some of the dogs, which is similar to kennel cough. Respiratory Coronavirus is highly contagious, and in rare occasions may cause pneumonia. Although, Coronavirus is limited to dogs, cats are commonly exposed to feline upper respiratory infection in any shelter environment.
In order to work towards a break in the cycle of these infections, the shelter will be temporarily closing its adoption program. Beginning Saturday, October 24th, the shelter will cease adoptions for dogs. Cat adoptions will be halted on Monday, October 26th. The anticipated reopening for all adoptions will occur on Monday, November 2. Sheltered animals will be monitored during this period for signs of respiratory illness. People who have lost their pets should continue to check the shelter and the shelter will continue to offer rabies vaccines.
It is important that all pet owners assure that their pets are protected and vaccinated against respiratory and other diseases. Pet owners should watch for respiratory (colds) signs and consult their private veterinarians.
Shelter inherent illnesses such as respiratory infections are impossible to totally prevent in animal shelters. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is on target to shelter 28,000 animals this year.
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