Community Corner

Fairfax County Animal Shelter Temporarily Suspends Intake of Dogs

About one dozen dogs at the shelter have exhibited symptoms of an unspecified upper respiratory illness.

After about a dozen dogs at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter exhibited symptoms of an unspecified upper respiratory illness (URI), the shelter is temporarily suspending the intake of dogs, according to a news release Friday.

The staff at the shelter is concerned that the source of the URI could be a virus known as Canine Influenza. They're currently working with veterinarians on a treatment program and containment plan.

Results from testing will not be available until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Until the results are in, the shelter will not accept dogs that are being given up by their owners because it doesn't have a secure area to keep newly surrendered dogs where they will not be exposed.

According to the news release, canine flu won't cause illness in humans and it cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans. However, humans can still carry the virus on their hands and clothes. This can potentially be transmitted to a personal pet. The infection is found mostly in dogs, but cats may also be infected.

Sick dogs at the county animal shelter will be isolated from other dogs and from the public while they undergo treatment. Dogs at the shelter that have not been infected will be isolated and adopted out. Adopters will be given special instructions to seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms emerge. The shelter staff is working to find temporary foster homes for dogs that are healthy or recovering.

Visitors and volunteers will be asked to take special measures to prevent the spread of the illness. For more information about the virus view Canine Influenza Virus FAQ.

If you have no other pets in your home and would like to help foster a healthy or recovering dog until this sickness passes, please contact the shelter at 703-324-0208 or email Kristen.auerbach@fairfaxcounty.gov.


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