LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A dog at a Las Vegas shelter has tested positive for canine influenza as the shelter tries to get as many dogs out of the shelter as possible.
The Animal Foundation said while one dog has tested positive, there are 11 more dogs with symptoms that are pending test results.
The news comes after the shelter said they were at a “critical space crisis” after taking in nearly 1,000 animals.
“The spread of respiratory disease is an unfortunate byproduct of overcrowding in shelters,” the Animal Foundation said in a social media post. “In the past two weeks, we have taken in more than 900 animals. This is not sustainable. The number of pets coming to us has pushed our shelter past capacity, and the shelter has become the perfect breeding ground for diseases like this.”
The shelter said it wants to make local pet owners aware of the spread of the disease and urges anyone who notices symptoms take their animal to see a veterinarian.
Symptoms of canine influenza include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Occasional vomiting
The shelter is asking those who can to foster and help ease the burden of the high stray population at the shelter. The Animal Foundation will host a foster event Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. to get animals into foster homes. If you’re interested, go to the adoptions building at the Animal Foundation on Monday.
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