Quarantine At Philly Shelters
In Philadelphia, PA. a few shelters have been shutdown after six dogs died.
The shelter, on Erie Avenue near B Street, was preparing to enter into a quarantine, which went into effect at noon, after the death of six dogs this week from what is believed to potentially be canine influenza, said Kim Wolf, a spokeswoman for the PSPCA.
Another shelter run by the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) was quarantined yesterday, she said.
Canine flu has yet to be confirmed as the cause of these deaths, but Rachel Lee, the medical director of PSPCA, said that the dogs had exhibited severe symptoms characteristic of the respiratory infection. Results of diagnostic tests are expected to be ready by Thursday.
“We cannot confirm that it is canine influenza yet,” said Lee. “But we are treating it as if it is, at this point.”
This includes following the “extreme quarantine protocol,” as Lee called it, with the shutting of the PSPCA facility on Erie Avenue and the ACCT facility on Hunting Park Avenue near Front Street, where one dog showed symptoms before dying Wednesday.
At the time, the death was deemed an isolated incident, but officials decided to quarantine the facilities after five more dogs exhibited the same symptoms before dying, Lee said.
It’s not clear whether other dogs have become ill. Efforts to prevent the infection, which displays symptoms much like those of influenza affecting humans, include ensuring proper diet and hydration, Lee said.
While this disease is rare, animal shelter workers need to be aware of the symptoms. It’s highly contagious and very dangerous when you have dogs packed in such close quarters. Although it usually isn’t deadly this new outbreak is very severe, and has a rapid onset.
Dog owners also need to be aware of the symptoms which include a hacking cough, nasal discharge, runny nose, and really runny eyes. If your dog has any of the above symptoms get them to the vet immediately, it can be treated if caught in time.
* Savannah in mid-sneeze
Oh gosh, we live near Philadelphia, I really hope they figure out the cause soon.
We live in Philly and heard about this a few days ago. The Philly animal shelters that are affected are not near us so it won’t affect us. Looks like they are taking lots of good corrective steps. I hope that they get it under control soon.
There has been an update re: the outbreak. Here is a press release from Kim Wolf, Public Relations Specialist at the PA. SPCA….
Philadelphia, June 3, 2009—This afternoon the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) received test results from the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn) confirming the cause of the recent canine shelter deaths as Streptococcus equi, commonly referred to as “strep zoo,” a bacterial infection that is easily treatable with penicillin.
“We reached out to experts at Penn and we are in the process of implementing treatment protocol at both shelters,” said Director of Shelter Medicine and Chief Investigative Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Lee. The PSPCA reached out to animal shelters that have experienced similar “strep zoo” cases and is consulting with the Penn’s Infection Prevention Practitioner to eliminate the bacteria in the environment.
Susan Cosby, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PSPCA officially assumed her role today, June 3, in order to take a proactive role in the situation.
It’s good that this was identified! I hope that we in and around D.C. are safe. Good job PSPCA!
My dogs are very healthy and never get sick,even when a flu or any sickness come around they never get it.I hope no more dogs get this virus!!!!!!
I remember a few months ago, their was an outbreak at the Brooklyn, NY ASPCA.
Does any one know, if this virus can also harbor itself at Dog Parks, and Dog Runs??
Does any one know where, when, and how this virus first started?
I had heard that their is no inoculations to prevent it. So it is a little scary, if you take your dog to a park.
We live in Upper Bucks County (right outside of Philly). As my dogs are healthy, they can still easily get sick. So it worries me. Thank goodness the PSPCA acted fast! This is just another reason I don’t take my dogs 2 a dog park. Way 2 many germs there.
OMD THAT SUCKS!!!