Dog Flu Outbreak Stops Adoptions at Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society

CHICAGO, IL — A canine flu endemic in the city has forced The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago to suspend dog adoptions, according to the agency.

The open admission shelter decided Monday, Feb. 6, to stop adoptions for three to four weeks at its two centers — at 510 N. LaSalle St., and at the South Loop PetSmart, 1101 S. Canal St. — after it "discovered several cases of the virus in separate locations throughout the shelter," a statement on the society's website said.

Because the illness only affects dogs, cat adoptions will still be done by the group.

Chicago's outbreak of dog flu — or canine influenza virus (CIV) — was designated an endemic in December of last year, according to the society. The virus is a contagious respiratory disease that can spread through the air or by contact with infected items. Symptoms include a runny nose, "honking" cough and fever.

Many dogs have no dog flu immunity and have not been vaccinated for it. That means those canines run a greater risk of becoming sick if exposed to the virus, the society says.

With all of its dogs now receiving medical treatments for dog flu, the private, nonprofit shelter is asking for "tasty food" donations, such as hot dogs and liverwurst, to help the animals take their not-so-tasty medicine.

Go to the website for The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago for more information about the canine influenza virus.

photo by Lauren Traut

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