The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood closed Thursday due to an outbreak of the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), a dog respiratory disease caused by a strain of Type A influenza virus, according to center officials.
The adoption center is closed until further notice, but the center is still receiving essential intakes of sick and injured animals and dogs that pose a threat to public safety, the center said in a release. Adoptions of other animals have been paused indefinitely.
The center’s dogs have been placed in isolation and will not be moving out of the building, the release said. Around 22 additional dogs are currently showing CIV symptoms.
“Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly through a shelter’s dog population,” Chief Veterinarian Gregory Lawrence said. “We will continue to do everything we can to prevent further spread of the virus and treat those dogs that are infected.”
CIV outbreaks have been popping up across the country recently and have impacted local shelters including the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington D.C., in August 2023.
The symptoms of canine influenza are a cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite, according to the release. Sickness can range in severity from no symptoms to severe illness resulting in death, the release stated.
Most dogs recover from the virus within two to three weeks. However, some dogs may develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more severe illness, according to the release.
The virus typically spreads from infected dogs to other dogs or cats through respiratory droplets from barking, sneezing, nuzzling or coughing or through contaminated surfaces and clothing, according to the release.
CIV is not transmissible to people, but people can spread the virus to other dogs from their clothing, equipment or hands, the release said.
The county center recommends dog owners whose pets are showing symptoms of CIV to contact their veterinarian immediately for assessment and treatment. Dogs with virus symptoms should be separated from others for at least 28 days. In addition, dog owners should avoid trips to the dog park, daycare centers, grooming and boarding facilities.
Dog owners can speak with their veterinarian about having their pet receive the canine influenza vaccine. According to the county release, the vaccine is not required and is not considered a core vaccine for all dogs; however, dogs that visit dog parks, daycares, or boarding facilities are at more risk for CIV.
“The vaccine may not stop your dog from contracting the virus completely, although it will lessen the severity and help reduce the spread,” the release stated.
The county also asks residents who find lost pets or animals not to bring the animal to the shelter. Tips on locating the owner of lost pets can be found on the MCASAC “Found a Pet” page.
According to the release, the center will pair lost pets with willing foster families who have the “necessary supplies to care for the animal until the owner can be located or other placement options are determined.”
Additional precautions for dog owners include:
- Limit direct contact with other dogs when on walks. Do not allow them to sniff one another;
- Avoid using shared toys or dishes;
- Consider skipping daycare, boarding, grooming facilities and dog parks; and
- Contact your dog’s daycare or boarding facility and ask about recent cases and cleaning protocols.
More information about CIV can be found at the American Veterinary Medical Association website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The American Animal Hospital Association also has a tool to determine vaccine recommendations for dogs.