One NE Ga animal shelter resumes services, another calls a halt amid parvo cases

The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter in Lavonia is scheduled to reopen today. The facility in Franklin County has been closed for the past two weeks because of an outbreak of parvovirus. Meantime, a confirmed case of parvovirus leads to another announcement from Athens-Clarke County Animal Services: the facility on Buddy Christian Way in Athens has already extended a hold on owner-surrendered cats through July 20; now comes word that dogs will not be accepted through the 24th of July.

From the Athens-Clarke Co government website…

The ACCGov Animal Services Department at 125 Buddy Christian Way will not accept owner-surrendered dogs for intake until Monday, July 24, 2023, due to a confirmed case of canine parvovirus and space constraints. Owner-surrendered cats are also not being accepted at the shelter until Thursday, July 20, 2023 due to a confirmed case of feline panleukopenia. Stray dog and stray cat intakes, as well as adoptions for both, will continue as normal due to separated areas at the facility.

Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, although unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk.

“Animal viruses such as canine parvo and feline pan leuk are challenges for animal shelters all over the country due in part to the number of animals that cycle through them,” says Animal Services Director Kristall Barber. “Our facility design, cleaning protocols, and department policies help minimize the impact as much as possible on animals in our care and our operations.”

Until July 24, Animal Services will limit dog intakes to stray dogs only due to space constraints. Residents seeking to surrender dogs prior to July 24 should contact Animal Services by phone at 706-613-3540 for advice.

Owner reclaims of dogs will continue, although owners will be advised of a potential exposure to parvo and to contact their vet immediately if their dog starts to act ill. Dog adoptions will also continue in the dog adoption area.

A single puppy tested positive for the parvo virus on July 9, 2023. Animal Services contacted the Georgia Department of Agriculture and reported the results as required. The puppy was located in the small dog/puppy room, but was previously housed in the temporary housing area. As a result, these two rooms will be under quarantine through July 23, 2023 and open to staff members only.

Animal Shelter staff are continuing to undergo specialized cleaning processes to help minimize the spread of the virus. These steps are being taken to prevent accidental exposure to the virus for dogs outside of these shelter areas through dog or human contact.

Animal Services staff has consulted with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Protection Division, which regulates and licenses animal shelters, contacted other area facilities that might be affected, and worked with Animal Services’ oversight veterinarian since the illness appeared.

The ACCGov Animal Services Adoption Center’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, walkthroughs, and adoptions; and Sunday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, and scheduled adoption appointments.

For more information, including an updated list of adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities, visit www.accgov.com/animalservices or call 706-613-3540.

Animal Services Website

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