Respiratory virus outbreak causes Hillsborough shelter to halt most dog intakes
The Pet Resource Center, located on Falkenburg Road in Tampa, recently began conducting testing and increased monitoring after noticing a number of dogs falling ill with respiratory symptoms, officials said in a news release Tuesday.
Small plane crash lands near South Florida elementary school
Veterinarians identified the mystery illness as canine pneumovirus, a virus that can lead dogs to develop a persistent cough, nasal discharge, lethargy and a reduce appetite. Most dogs experience mild cases, though in rare cases, officials said the virus can cause more severe symptoms or even death.
The virus, however, does not affect cats, according to veterinarians. As a result, the Pet Resource Center will continue taking in felines, but only dogs that are severely sick or injured, or that are involved in Animal Control cases, will be admitted beginning Wednesday, March 12.
The dogs that are taken in will be housed at a separate location, the shelter said. Shelter staff will be split between the main building and alternate location to prevent transmission of the virus.
The virus typically resolves in about two weeks, meaning many of the over 200 dogs currently at the shelter may have already developed antibodies, according to the Pet Resource Center.
Dog adoptions will continue, but officials said adopters should take some precautions with their new pet. New pet owners should refrain from taking their dogs to public spaces like dog parks or groomers for a minimum of seven days after taking their furry friend home.
Any animal that is adopted while symptomatic will be sent home with medications as needed, the shelter said. Dogs that develop symptoms after being adopted can also be prescribed medication. As long as early symptoms are treated by a veterinarian, officials said there should not be any reason to seek emergency care.
The Pet Resource Center expects to resume normal operations by March 26, as the outbreak should have run its course by then. However, officials said further testing will determine whether it is truly safe to do so.
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