Tolland Animal Control Shelter Quarantined After Exposed to Canine Parvovirus

TOLLAND, CT - Tolland Animal Control is warning residents that the Town’s shelter facility will be off-limits for 14 days due to an exposure to canine Parvovirus.

An advisory was issued Wednesday:

Parvovirus is highly-contagious to unvaccinated dogs and can often lead to fatal results, especially in puppies. This exposure has forced Tolland Animal Control to self-quarantine the shelter for fourteen days. Any dogs impounded during the next fourteen days, will be housed at the Town of Willington’s Animal Shelter. Staff has disinfected the shelter’s facilities, equipment and the Animal Control vehicle according to veterinarian and State Department of Agriculture’s recommendations to eradicate the virus from the facility. Officers would like to stress the importance of vaccinating your pets on a regular schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.

Tolland Animal Control is currently housing one dog which was admitted to the shelter before the exposure was known. This dog was only exposed to the shelter’s facilities and was not exposed to the sick dog. As a precaution, he was vaccinated against the Parvovirus and will be monitored for the fourteen day period. This animal which seems to be in good health will be observed daily and will receive prompt medical attention should any symptoms arise.

On July 22, 2016, Tolland Animal Control found an underweight, sick, female, Beagle-type dog which looked as if she had recently had a litter of puppies. This dog was found on Shenipsit Lake Road near the Ellington town line. Due to her condition she was taken to the veterinarian for examination. Treatment for her illnesses began immediately and she was started on several medications. Additional routine testing was conducted including testing for suspected Parvovirus. On Monday July 25, Animal Control Officers were notified that unfortunately the dog was positive with Parvovirus among other ailments. The dog was severely ill and in distress when Officers along with the veterinarian made the difficult decision to have her humanely euthanized.

Animal Control Officers are investigating this matter and are seeking the public’s assistance with any leads as to where the sick dog could have come from. If you know of or hear of any puppies being sold without the mother dog able to be seen or know of anyone who suddenly may no longer have a red and white female Beagle-type dog in their possession, please notify Tolland Animal Control at 860-871-3676. All tips, leads and information received about this case will be kept confidential.