For Immediate Release: 

Contact Information: 

Vershurn Ford, Chief Outreach & Development Officer 

vershurn@halifaxhumanesociety.org

(386) 331-2051

HHS Identifies Cause of URI Outbreak in Shelter Dogs

Daytona Beach, FL- Halifax Humane Society has successfully identified the cause of the recent respiratory illness outbreak affecting some of our shelter dogs. Through diligent diagnostic efforts and collaboration with the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, we have confirmed that the infection is caused by Canine Pneumovirus.

We need the community’s help, now more than ever. The dogs in our care are receiving a wide range of prescription antibiotics and supportive veterinary care. This comes at a significant, unbudgeted cost to HHS. We are asking for the financial support of the public to aid in providing this ongoing care. $175 dollars can provide medications and supportive care to dogs affected by the illness for 15 days. Please consider making a donation online at www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/donate.

As an Open Admission Shelter, we encounter various challenges and uncertainties when accepting community intakes. It is through our diligent efforts that we have identified Canine Pneumovirus as the root cause of the URI in our shelter dogs, allowing us to determine its presence in our community. In an effort to support pet owners in our community, we would like to provide the following information to help you better understand the nature of URI caused by the Canine Pneumovirus:

• Duration of Infection: The duration of the infection can vary from case to case. Typically, the infection runs its course within 7 to 14 days. However, individual factors such as the dog's overall health, age, and immune system strength can influence the duration of illness.
• Symptoms: Dogs with URI caused by Canine Pneumovirus may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite, and mild fever. It's important to note that not all dogs will display the same symptoms, and some may show only mild signs of illness.

The health and well-being of our animals and the safety of the public are of utmost importance to us. Consequently, we have taken proactive measures to address the situation. To ensure the prompt recovery of our affected dogs and prevent further spread, we have implemented a comprehensive treatment plan, including appropriate medical care, isolation of affected animals, and thorough sanitization protocols. Our dedicated veterinary team is closely monitoring their progress and providing individualized care to aid in their recuperation.

We would like to reassure everyone that we are taking every necessary step to address the issue promptly and effectively. Our shelter staff is working diligently to provide the highest level of care and support to all our animals. As a precautionary measure, we are continuing our temporary suspension of regular business operations related to shelter dogs to minimize the risk of further transmission and to provide the necessary care and attention to our affected dogs.

During this temporary reduction of services, we kindly ask for the community's patience and understanding. We encourage individuals who are interested in adopting or fostering a cat to continue visiting our facility as our cat adoption services remain unaffected. As dogs receive a clean bill of health, limited dog adoptions will begin and will take place at a specific location within our facility.

If you happen to find a stray dog, during business hours hours, call us at: (368) 317-2280. After business hours we ask that you call Central Dispatch at (386) 248-7777. You can also visit our website's Lost Pet page. We extend our gratitude to the public for their ongoing support, understanding, and cooperation as we work towards resolving this situation. We will continue to provide regular updates as we make progress and when we anticipate resuming normal operations.

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