The City of Henderson Animal Care and Control has implemented operational changes at the Henderson Animal Shelter due to the confirmation of a dog contracting a contagious respiratory virus. This marks the first verified case of Canine Pneumovirus at the Henderson Animal Shelter. Canine Pneumovirus is a contagious respiratory virus that can advance to pneumonia and exhibits symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Currently, there is no vaccine available for this virus.
Dr. Tessa Kronbetter, the veterinarian at the Henderson Animal Shelter, emphasized that Canine Pneumovirus belongs to the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) group, and their main focus is on identifying and treating potential cases while minimizing exposure to other animals.
Apart from the confirmed case, several other dogs are suspected to have the virus based on exhibited symptoms. To isolate the exposed population of dogs and reduce the risk of healthy dogs being exposed, Animal Care and Control is temporarily halting the intake of relinquished pets and closing dog adoptions. However, cat and other animal adoptions remain open to the public.
Animal Control Administrator Danielle Harney expressed the significance of this operational change, emphasizing the need to prioritize the health of the more than 75 dogs currently at the shelter and prevent further spread of the virus. She acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and hoped for community understanding.
Pet owners are urged to be vigilant about Pneumovirus symptoms and consult their veterinarians if their dogs show signs of illness.
