In a rather sobering update for pet owners, Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) has announced a timeout on all things canine within their facilities following a sudden outbreak of Canine Pneumovirus, a story first reported by WFLA. The suspension affects a raft of dog-focused services, encompassing adoptions, intakes, surgeries, and rescue transfers for a fortnight, in a move aimed squarely at stemming the tide of this infection—which, while not harmful to humans or felines, could wreak havoc among pooches.
Despite the disruption, PCAS plans to sustain non-canine operations, which means that vaccines, microchip clinics, and cat adoptions remain in full swing, as detailed in the announcements captured by WFLA and Tampa Free Press. The PCAS shelters won't be seeing any wagging tails till May 3, as the facility enforces this quarantine period and the staff, they'll be closely monitoring the dogs, providing them care and carrying out slew of tests to ensure the virus is contained and eventually eradicated from their grounds.
"The health and safety of the animals in our care, as well as our community, has been and will always be our top priority," expressed PCAS Director Mike Shumate, in a sentiment echoed across the board and underscored by his quote reported by ABC Action News. This stringent measure comes with a silver lining of sorts: the shelter is being proactive, reaching out to recent adopters and affiliated rescue units, all to relay precautionary measures and ensure everyone is on the same page for the health of the pups.
Residents who have recently adopted or come into contact with dogs are being asked to keep an eagle eye out for concerning symptoms which include, but are not limited to, lethargy, fever, coughing, and sneezing, or even a nasty case of conjunctivitis, which could signal an ongoing infection—and when spotted it's straight to the vet says PCAS so if anyone notices these symptoms they should not dilly-dally but contact their veterinarian stat to contain this highly contagious illness. Preventative care remains the top priority for PCAS, even though the world of animal shelters is well-acquainted with the rough tides of managing infectious outbreaks.
