Canine distemper outbreak forces closure of Fort Worth animal shelter facilities
.JPG "The Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus is shown in an archive photo. A dog in a city facility tested positive for the canine distemper virus on March 22, city officials said.")
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control is temporarily closing both of the city’s shelters to the public and suspending animal intake due to an outbreak of canine distemper virus.
A dog in a city facility tested positive for the virus on March 22, city officials said in a news release on Thursday, March 27.
Further testing led to the discovery of a wider spread of the virus and the “heartbreaking but necessary” decision to humanely euthanize several dogs that were positive for the virus, according to the release.
The city is also suspending participation in upcoming pet adoption events, officials said. Volunteer opportunities at the shelters have also been suspended
Cats at the PetSmart Hulen and Alliance locations will remain available for adoption, according to the release.
To contain the outbreak, animals at the shelters will continue to follow a strict vaccination schedule, including booster shots for healthy adult dogs, officials said.
Any dog showing symptoms of distemper is being isolated and tested, and veterinary staff are monitoring all shelter animals, according to the statement.
Animal control officers will still respond to calls involving dangerous, sick or injured animals, officials said.
The community is asked to hold on to found animals for a minimum of four days.
