Columbia Animal Shelter Takes Precautionary Measures Amid Dog Pneumovirus Outbreak
Columbia, SC – The Columbia Animal Shelter is currently facing a challenging situation as a virus affecting dogs, known as pneumovirus, has prompted officials to temporarily halt the shelter’s ability to accept new animals. This decision comes from the Animal Services department after a confirmed spread of the virus among the dogs housed in the shelter.
Understanding the Virus
Pneumovirus is a serious respiratory illness in dogs. Symptoms of this virus include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Animal Services officials shared that there is currently no vaccination to protect dogs from this virus, which makes it crucial for the shelter to take immediate action. “It’s believed that the virus was brought in from an outside source,” they noted in a recent announcement.
Unfortunately, the virus can be fatal. Reports indicate that some dogs diagnosed with pneumovirus have died or have been euthanized. This sobering news underscores the importance of protecting both the shelter’s residents and community pets during this outbreak.
Emergency Measures in Place
To combat the spread of pneumovirus, the Columbia Animal Shelter has implemented emergency measures. For the next two weeks, the shelter will only accept newly surrendered animals in cases of emergency, which includes sick or injured pets as well as animals involved in cruelty investigations. As a result, pet owners looking to relinquish their pets will need to wait.
“At this time, the shelter will be unable to accommodate pet relinquishment on behalf of owners,” officials stated, aiming to prioritize the health and safety of the animals already in the shelter.
Help for Pet Owners
While taking new animals will be restricted, the Animal Shelter is still committed to assisting pet owners in other ways. They will provide resources to those looking to rehome their pets. This includes offering basic vetting, providing food, and supplying rehoming resources to help owners find new homes for their furry friends.
For community members who come across stray animals, Animal Services encourages them to care for the animal temporarily while making efforts to locate the original owner. In cases where the owner cannot be found, self-rehoming is an option that the shelter can help facilitate.
How to Get Involved
If you’re a pet owner or a community member wanting to help, you can find more information and resources by visiting the Columbia Animal Services website or giving them a call at 803-776-PETS. They are there to guide you through this tough time and provide support in any way they can.
Looking Ahead
As the shelter works diligently to manage this outbreak and maintain the health of both their animals and the community pets, they emphasize that updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available. For now, everyone is encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their pets from this viral spread.
Remember, staying proactive and informed is crucial during these troubling times. The Columbia Animal Shelter is committed to the care and safety of our beloved pets—let’s support them in their mission!
