FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Suzanne Salichs June 28, 2013 (727) 834-3480 Pasco County Community Animal Services Closes Shelter "PASCO COUNTY, FL – When four dogs tested positive for Parvovirus at the Pasco County Animal Services building, located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, management decided to close the dog adoption area to the general public. Last night, the Public Services leadership team met onsite to evaluate with Dr. Suzanne Salichs, Assistant County Administrator, and the decision was made to close the canine adoption area of the shelter. It is likely the facility will reopen on Tuesday, July 9th, pending no further outbreaks. This morning, after assessment, no other reports of Parvovirus were noted or symptoms observed however we remain diligent and focused on the health of our shelter animals, so we taking precautionary measures to ensure their wellbeing. The Parvovirus is a virus typically associated with dogs and puppies and the best prevention is to vaccinate. It can be contagious for dogs and puppies and is spread in the canine community through feces from dogs who have the infection. This is a tough virus because it can be transmitted, without dogs showing any symptoms, for days. Animals that arrive at the shelter are evaluated, tested and vaccinated by vet staff upon arrival and during their stay but, parvovirus has a long incubation period which can last up to 12 days, so it can be difficult to detect. Symptoms to look for include: loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Animal Services will remain open to respond to citizen requests for services for confined strays, lost dogs, cat adoptions, and aggressive dog reports. Staff is taking extra precautions in cleaning of cages, handling of animals, including using coats, gloves and booties and disinfecting and sanitizing all kennels and concrete areas as every effort is being made to ensure animal health and reduce risk. All animals in the facility are being carefully monitored and if any show symptoms of illness they are being evaluated and isolated by our staff veterinarian, Dr. Nilufer Wilkins, DVM. Shelter staff and lead/senior volunteers will be permitted in the facility and they will observe stringent cleaning efforts and virus prevention protocol will be activated. Community service workers and Rescue partners will be informed of the situation and will limited access cat area and under close supervision as well. If you recently adopted a dog within 14 days at Pasco County Animal Services, and have any questions about parvovirus, know that your animal has been vaccinated. However, if you observe any symptoms, call your veterinarian. It’s important to note, that our shelter has reached beyond animal capacity, and your patience is appreciated at this time, as we do not to accept any owner released animals. For cats, this infection is not typically threatening and Animal Services has many adorable cats and kittens ready for a new home. If you would like to adopt at cat, you can visit the shelter and have access to the cat and kitten area of the center. If you prefer to web shop for a cat or kitten visit the Animal Services web site pascocountyfl.net . If you have any questions, about Pasco County Animal Services, Parvovirus, or pet adoptions, please call (813) 929-1399, (727) 834-3216, or visit our web site at pascocountyfl.net..."
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 22:31:52 +0000
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