LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Lake County Animal Shelter (LCAS) has modified its operations and is currently not accepting dogs due to multiple confirmed cases of canine pneumovirus.
Canine pneumovirus is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through airborne transmission. LCAS says canine pneumovirus cases have increased recently throughout Florida animal shelters, and there are currently no vaccines available for the virus.
Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, LCAS stopped taking in new dogs effective Sept. 30.
The shelter says while intake is suspended, the Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Enforcement unit will be limiting its responses to only those calls that are deemed emergencies until further notice. This is to help shelter staff reduce exposure within the shelter and minimizing further spread of the virus.
If you find a dog, you are encouraged to do the following:
- File a report with the Lake County Animal Shelter
- Post on social media or community pages
- Walk the dog through the neighborhood
- List the pet and search through lost pets on Petco’s Love Lost site
- Register the pet on PawBoost
Shelter staff say most lost dogs are found less than a mile from their home.
If you found a dog, you can schedule a drive-thru visit to scan for a microchip, get free vaccines, deworming, flea treatment and supply pick-up. Supplies provided include food, a crate, toys and a collar/leash.
The shelter says canine pneumovirus is one of many viruses that causes canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). They say the virus remains viable on infected surfaces, such as cages, water bowls and fabrics like collars, unless properly sanitized.
Symptoms of the virus include coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of these signs.
LCAS is currently caring for multiple dogs suffering from canine pneumovirus and says it urgently needs these supplies:
- Towels
- Wash cloths
- Enrichment activities, such as Kongs
- Peanut butter
To donate, you can drop off items at the shelter’s front door, which is located at 12280 CR 448 in Tavares.
The staff says adoptions will continue, and adopting families will be counseled about the illness. Recent adopters are encouraged to contact the shelter if their dog shows any symptoms. To ensure a newly adopted pet is safe and healthy, the shelter has extended its sneeze-free guarantee from seven to 14 days.
To allow staff time for cleaning, sanitizing and caring for infected dogs, the shelter hours have been adjusted. The shelter will be open to the public 1 p.m. to 6 p.m on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The shelter is closed on Wednesdays and holidays.