The Young-Williams Animal Center has shuttered its Bearden facility after a distemper outbreak among their canine residents. The decision to temporarily close the doors came swiftly on Friday, following the confirmation of the virus in one of their dogs, according to the WBIR news website. The popular Knoxville pet shelter, nestled at 6400 Kingston Pike, has not indicated a specific time frame for reopening.
As a cautious step to curb the spread of the disease, veterinaries at YWAC will conduct necessary tests and observation of other sheltered animals, while also embarking on a full-scale sanitation effort. Despite the closure of the adoptions and housing area, a separate wing of the facility responsible for spay and neuter services will remain operational. This detail was shared by the WATE report on the temporary closure.
The main branch of Young-Williams Animal Center, located at 3201 Division St., will continue its regular operations despite the unfortunate events at its satellite location. Dr. Lisa Chassy, the medical director at Young-Williams, urged pet owners to ensure their pets are appropriately vaccinated. According to Knox News, Dr. Chassy said, "Vaccinations are the best way to help keep your pet healthy and stop the spread of contagious diseases like distemper among animals." She also highlighted the symptoms that should prompt a visit to the vet, such as "vomiting, lethargy, coughing, reduced appetite, and fever."
Distemper is a severe and infectious viral illness that targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs, but can also infect other mammals, including ferrets, raccoons, and skunks, warns the American Veterinary Medical Association. Recognizable by a nasal and ocular discharge, fever, coughing, and lethargy, distemper can escalate to nervous system issues, such as seizures and imbalanced movements. To date, the best form of prevention remains through diligent vaccination.
