Latest news with #PetResourceCenter
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Respiratory virus outbreak causes Hillsborough shelter to halt most dog intakes
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center has temporarily stopped taking in most dogs due to a recent spike in a respiratory illness that officials said has been spreading throughout the shelter. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feral cat tests positive for rabies after capture in Alpharetta
The Forsyth County Government announced Tuesday that a feral cat had tested positive for rabies and issued a health warning. According to the county, the cat was found near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta and was captured on Jan. 29. When the animal was examined, it was tested positive for rabies. County officials said a resident saw the cat and trapped it before bringing it in for a check-up. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Lawmaker files bill to keep Georgians from paying tax on inherited vehicles Georgia lawmakers file bill to extend opt-out deadline for homestead exemptions Georgia Rep. proposes new bill to ban traffic cameras in school zones 'The resident brought the cat into the Pet Resource Center, and it suffered a medical complication that was consistent with an animal presenting with Rabies,' said Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown. 'The prompt observation and testing yielded a positive result, and we encourage others to come forward if their animals are symptomatic.' For those potentially exposed to risks related to rabies, public health officials will provide a notification and encourage seeking medical attention, if needed. 'Encounters between wild animals and domestic pets, including some that involved people, have increased recently, so we encourage all residents to have their pets vaccinated against the Rabies Virus and be educated on what to do if they encounter a potentially rabid animal,' officials said. The rabies virus is transmittable when introduced to bite wounds, open cuts or mucous membranes like the eyes or mouth and can be transmitted via bite. Anyone who sees a wild animal acting strangely is asked to report it to Forsyth County Animal Services at 770-781-2138 and to avoid the animal. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
