Latest news with #VanessaFrancikowski
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Quarantine lifted at Douglas County Animal Shelter after outbreak of viruses
The Douglas County Animal Shelter is reopening after virus outbreaks caused a mandatory quarantine. The Georgia Department of Agriculture called for a mandatory quarantine at the shelter on May 22 after 13 dogs tested positive for pneumovirus and three tested positive for parvovirus. The quarantine was lifted on Monday. The facility was scheduled to reopen to the public on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Shelter officials said the dogs infected with parvovirus already had the illness when they entered the shelter, but the disease was not immediately detectable at the time of intake. The shelter will continue a self-imposed quarantine for about 30 dogs that have not yet shown symptoms of pneumovirus. They are being housed in a separate area of the facility and are undergoing a 14-day exposure monitoring period. More than 45 dogs have completed treatment for pneumovirus and are now available for adoption, the shelter said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Douglas County animal shelter under quarantine for pneumovirus, parvovirus outbreak There is currently no vaccine for pneumovirus. But once a dog has been exposed to the virus, developed symptoms and completed medical treatment, they have lifelong immunity, veterinary experts say. 'Pneumovirus is significant because it lasts longer, is more contagious, and can sometimes cause pneumonia or other complications,' said Vanessa Francikowski, director of Douglas County Animal Services. 'While all animals are vaccinated upon intake to prevent disease transmission, some may arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may already be carrying active viruses.' The county's animal control is operating normally, responding to service calls and picking up animals. TRENDING STORIES: 'Black Mecca' no longer? Atlanta prices cause families to move out of the city Fake Uber Eats killing suspect in court, victim's family removed from hearing 1 dead after crash on I-75 NB in Cobb County [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Douglas County animal shelter under quarantine for pneumovirus, parvovirus outbreak
The Douglas County Animal Shelter is under a mandatory quarantine due to a multi-virus outbreak. According to shelter officials, 13 dogs are currently sick with pneumovirus, and three dogs are sick with parvovirus. The Georgia Department of Agriculture issued the quarantine at the shelter after it voluntarily closed on Thursday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Douglas County Animal Services Director Vanessa Francikowski says the shelter has never dealt with a multiple-virus outbreak like this before. 'We expect coughing dogs, but this went from coughing to full-blown pneumonia within 48 hours, which was a red flag,' explained Francikowski. The quarantine will remain in place until further notice. Staff are following strict guidelines to contain the outbreak, including cleaning the kennels three times a day and providing necessary medication to infected animals. While only some dogs have tested positive for the virus, the viruses are highly contagious, so about 100 dogs are being quarantined. TRENDING STORIES: Possible explosion at Georgia Volkswagen dealership, officials say Husband ran off to Costa Rica with nanny after wife's south GA murder, GBI says 'Bitter sweet:' Apalachee High School seniors graduate months after tragedy As shelter staff work to keep the cats and dogs separated —and to prevent the viruses from spreading — they're asking the public to take advantage of free vaccine clinics. 'This didn't happen here. This came from dogs coming in from the public with an unknown vaccine history,' said Francikowski. During the quarantine, no animal will be allowed to enter or leave the shelter, except for those being reclaimed by their owners. Staff are encouraging people who find strays to foster them during the closure. 'If you find a stray dog, we offer services that allow you to foster dogs at home through this period. We'll provide you with food, vaccines, and other necessary support during this time,' added Francikowski. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Douglas County Animal Shelter quarantined amid pneumovirus and parvovirus outbreak
The Brief The Douglas County Animal Shelter is under quarantine due to an outbreak of pneumovirus and parvovirus, with 13 dogs testing positive for Pneumovirus and 3 for Parvovirus. The shelter is implementing strict containment protocols and providing medical care, while remaining closed to the public; only emergency animal control operations will continue. No cats are affected by the outbreak, and cat-related services such as intake, adoption, and rescue will continue as usual. DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - The Douglas County Animal Shelter has been placed under a state-mandated quarantine following an outbreak of pneumovirus and parvovirus, county officials confirmed Thursday. The Georgia Department of Agriculture issued the order after 13 dogs at the shelter tested positive for pneumovirus and three others were confirmed to have parvovirus. What we know According to shelter officials, the parvovirus cases were present in the animals prior to their arrival, but symptoms were not immediately detectable during intake. The shelter, located at 2171 Mack Road in Douglasville, had voluntarily closed earlier in the day as a precaution. The quarantine is now in effect indefinitely as the facility implements strict containment protocols and provides medical care to affected animals. What they're saying "The pneumovirus is significant because it lasts longer, is more contagious, and can sometimes cause pneumonia or other complications," said Vanessa Francikowski, director of Douglas County Animal Services. "While all animals are vaccinated upon intake to prevent disease transmission, some may arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may already be carrying active viruses." Francikowski noted there is currently no vaccine available for pneumovirus, but the shelter is working closely with its in-house and state veterinarians to prevent further spread. What's next During the quarantine, the shelter will remain closed to the public. No animals will be allowed in or out of the facility, except for those being reclaimed by their owners. Animal Control will operate only in emergency situations involving injured, aggressive, or sick animals. No cats at the shelter have been affected by the outbreak. Intake, adoption, rescue, and return-to-owner services for cats will continue as usual. Shelter staff remain in good health. What you can do For more information, contact Vanessa Francikowski at vfrancikowski@ or call the shelter at 770-942-5961. The Source The Douglas County Animal Shelter provided the details for this article.
