Daytona Beach, FL — Halifax Humane Society (HHS) is temporarily adjusting dog intake and adoption procedures in response to a confirmed outbreak of canine pneumovirus (CnPnV), a common canine upper respiratory illness.
Three dogs in our shelter have tested positive for canine pneumovirus through external laboratory PCR testing. This virus, while similar in presentation to kennel cough, does not currently have a preventative vaccine. Out of an abundance of caution HHS is implementing immediate operational changes to limit the risk of further spread.
“Our veterinary team is well-equipped to manage this situation with professionalism and care,” said Allison Bliss, DVM, MPH, Director of Shelter Medicine at Halifax Humane Society. “We have multiple veterinarians and dedicated support staff on-site providing care to the dogs in our shelter, while also receiving ongoing guidance from national experts at Best Friends Animal Society and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.”
Canine pneumovirus poses no risk to people or cats, and all affected dogs are receiving appropriate medical care. The majority of dogs who become ill recover fully with supportive treatment.
Temporary Operational Changes:
– Dog Intake: Intake of dogs is currently limited to medical emergencies, dangerous dogs, and bite cases. Owner surrenders will only be accepted for end-of-life humane euthanasia.
– Adoptions: Dog adoptions are paused for families who already own dogs or live in multi-dog environments (such as apartments or households with close neighboring pets) to prevent possible spread to pets in the community.
– Placing Holds on Dogs: Families may place adoption holds on healthy dogs currently not showing signs of illness. These dogs will remain in the shelter for a post-exposure monitoring period of 2 to 4 weeks or until they are cleared for adoption.
Shelter Care and Medical Plan:
Dogs displaying clinical signs of respiratory illness are being treated with antibiotics as recommended. Following a strategy similar to managing chickenpox, all dogs will remain together under close observation to allow the virus to run its course quickly, safely, and with proper veterinary oversight.
“We are committed to the health and safety of the animals in our care and to the pet families in our community,” said Sean Hawkins, CEO of Halifax Humane Society. “These temporary precautions are designed to stop the spread of this respiratory illness and ensure that we emerge from this outbreak stronger, with healthier pets and continued public trust.”
Transparency and Communication:
HHS is notifying all recent dog adopters and community partners to provide guidance and transparency. Local government and animal control partners have been briefed on the temporary intake pause for non-emergency cases.
We anticipate resuming normal operations within 4 weeks and will provide regular updates to the public throughout the recovery period.
Media Contact:
Sean Hawkins, CEO
Halifax Humane Society
(713) 269-3574
sean@halifaxhumanesociety.org
