Etowah Valley Humane Society To Reopen On Tuesday

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Just three weeks after it had to close following a diagnosis of dog flu within its quarters, the Etowah Valley Humane Society will soon reopen to the public.

That’s according to the group’s Facebook page, which states it’s been given clearance by Bartow Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Carl White to re-open the Cartersville-based shelter on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

“These last three weeks have been rough on our great homeless pets and staff, but everyone rose to the occasion and I am proud to say that not a single life was lost, nor were they ever in any real jeopardy,” the shelter said. “We owe many thanks to Dr. White for his quick intervention. Had it not been for his game plan and the staff following his strict protocols, this announcement may have had a much different tone to it.”

Etowah Valley received confirmation last month that a lab test came back positive for Asian canine influenza A (H3N2) at its facility. Once the staff had suspicions about a possible respiratory infection among the dogs, the group noted it placed all animals in the run on an antibiotic regimen. Veterinarians came and examined the dogs, and cultures were taken and sent to a lab at the University of Georgia for analysis.

Etowah Valley staff also disinfected and scrubbed all exposed surfaces in the shelter, including the lobby and common areas. That task started July 20, and has been done each day. Its 14 kennel runs have also been pressure washed with the virucide.

“As you can imagine, after being cooped up for three weeks, the dogs are ready to hit the park for a little exercise,” the organization said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on the topic, canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by specific virus known to infect dogs. Signs of illness include cough, runny nose and fever. However, the CDC adds not all dogs will show these symptoms.

The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

The CDC notes nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection, and the illness tends to spread among dogs that are housed in kennels and shelters. The virus is spread to other dogs by direct contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing from infected dogs, by uninfected dogs coming into contact with objects that are contaminated and by moving those contaminated items between infected and uninfected dogs.

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Image via Shutterstock