DERWOOD, Md. (DC News Now) — The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) closed Thursday because of a virus case in the shelter.
In a statement, MCASAC said that one dog had tested positive for Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), which experts say is highly contagious. The shelter said that 22 other dogs were showing CIV symptoms.
Due to this virus, the adoption center was closed to the public until further notice. MCASAC was also only accepting essential intakes, which are sick and injured animals or dogs that pose a threat to public safety.
While the shelter is closed, you should not bring any lost pets you might find to the shelter. MCASAC said that it has tips for finding the owner of a lost pet — and if you are willing to foster the animal, it will give you supplies until the owner is found or until other arrangements are made for the pet.
MCASAC said that it had vaccinated dogs for CIV and stuck to “strict cleaning protocols.”
CIV symptoms include cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite. MCASAC said that dogs may show symptoms in a range of severity — some may not show any signs at all, while other dogs might get seriously sick or die from the virus.
CIV vaccines are not required, but MCASAC said dog owners can talk to their vets about getting their dogs vaccinated due to cases in the DMV. The vaccine might not keep your dog from getting CIV, but it will help reduce the spread and lessen symptoms if your dog does get sick.
Dogs that go to dog parks, stay at doggy daycares or board while their owners are traveling are more at risk of getting CIV.
If your dog has CIV symptoms, you should call your vet as soon as possible. You should also keep your dog separated from others for at least 28 days and avoid dog parks, doggy daycares, grooming facilities and other similar places where your dog may come into contact with other canines.
You can find out more about CIV on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website.
