DERWOOD, Md. — The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood has closed their doors until further notice due to an outbreak of canine influenza.
The adoption center says despite vaccinating for Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), a respiratory disease, and following cleaning protocols, a dog in their care tested positive for it and 22 more dogs are showing symptoms. The dogs in the center have now been planed under isolation and won't be moving out the building. Adoptions of other animals have also been paused.
The virus mainly spreads from infected dogs to other dogs, or cats, through respiratory droplets including coughing, sneezing, barking, or nuzzling. It can also be spread through contaminated surfaces and clothing.
It is not transmissible from animals to people, however, people can spread the virus to other dogs through their clothes or hands.
Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy, and poor appetite, with signs ranging in severity of no symptoms to severe illness resulting in death.
“Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly through a shelter's dog population,” MCASAC Chief Veterinarian Gregory Lawrence said. “We will continue to do everything we can to prevent further spread of the virus and treat those dogs that are infected.”.
If your dog is showing any symptoms of CIV, contact your veterinarian immediately for assessment and early supportive treatment. Keep your dog separated from others for at least 28 days. Dog parks, doggy daycare, grooming and boarding facilities should also be avoided.
Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks, but some will develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more severe illness.
The animal shelter is now accepting essential intakes only, which includes sick and injured animals, and those that pose a threat to public safety.
Residents who find a lost pet are asked not to bring the animal to the shelter for the safety of those animals.
The canine influenza vaccine is not required and is not considered a core vaccine for all dogs. However, with cases occurring in the DMV area, the center says to speak with your veterinarian about having your dog vaccinated. Additional precautions to take to keep your dog safe includes:
- Limit direct contact with other dogs when on walks. Do not allow them to sniff one another.
- Avoid using shared toys or dishes.
- Consider skipping daycare, boarding, grooming facilities and dog parks.
- Contact your dog’s daycare or boarding facility and ask about recent cases and cleaning protocols.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.