Fort Wayne Animal shelter back to full strength Friday

[DoozyDog]

By Cindy Larson clarson@news-sentinel.com

Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control has finished disinfecting its facility after an outbreak of parvovirus, and will be fully operational beginning Friday.

Last week the shelter suspended dog adoptions for three days and asked the public, if possible, to postpone relinquishing dogs to the shelter until Thursday in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, which can be deadly to dogs.

Director Belinda Lewis said fewer dogs than normal were dropped off at the shelter in the past week, and thanked the public for its cooperation.

The shelter disinfects every day, but brought in a stronger disinfectant in response to the outbreak. The shelter hasn’t seen any new outbreaks since the disinfection program began but won’t know for sure if the virus is contained until the incubation time is past, which is 10 to 14 days.

“We’re in good shape so far,” she said.

The outbreak has occurred countywide, not just at the shelter, said shelter veterinarian Dr. Tamera Cole. She said the mild winter temperatures could be a contributing factor.

Fewer than 20 dogs at the shelter were infected, but the nature of the virus required the shelter be shut down.

The virus attacks the intestinal tract, causing lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and sever diarrhea. Dogs can be vaccinated to prevent them from contracting the virus, but once they’ve been infected, treatment includes combating dehydration, controlling vomiting and diarrhea and preventing secondary infections with antibiotics, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The virus cannot spread to humans or cats.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortway...l/13776431.htm