In response to a recent canine influenza outbreak, Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is undertaking a sizable relocation and shutdown effort. Approximately 290 dogs at the shelter will be affected by measures aimed at stemming the disease's spread. Starting Tuesday, June 25, the dogs will be moved to an auxiliary county-owned facility, as detailed in an announcement from the county. The center, located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL, won't be taking in any new dogs, nor will it facilitate adoptions or foster placements of canines till the operation is set to resume on July 15.
During the closure, from Wednesday, June 26, through Saturday, June 29, the Pet Resource Center will be closed to the public for a thorough cleaning, and disinfection meant to eliminate the virus entirely. According to the same announcement, the shelter is expected to reopen for cat adoptions and other feline-related services on July 1. As part of their containment efforts, the staff will be divided into two distinct groups – with one group exclusively handling the onsite shelter duties, and the other managing the temporary housing location for the dogs.
Contracting canine influenza is highly likely for any dog that has not been vaccinated or previously exposed, since dogs have no natural immunity to the disease. It causes symptoms such as persistent cough, nasal discharge, and fever. Most dogs recover within a few weeks, although a small percentage may become seriously ill or even die. The virus is not a threat to humans, but can be carried on clothing or skin and spread to other dogs.
All housed dogs at the alternate location will undergo testing for canine influenza, and none will return to the Pet Resource Center until they have been cleared with a negative result. Considering the contagiousness of the virus, it is crucial that such measures are stringent. The virus, which has no effect on humans, cannot be spread to cats or other animals – a point of slight relief in this situation.
