LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – FOX5 learned Friday that the Nevada SPCA has one dog that tested positive for canine influenza. The shelter is waiting on the results of four more tests.
This is the third shelter in the Las Vegas valley reporting a case of canine influenza. Previously, the City of Henderson Animal Shelter updated FOX5 Wednesday that they identified one confirmed case of the H3N2 canine influenza virus. The Animal Foundation previously reported the same day through a blog post that the shelter has 136 dogs showing symptoms of an upper respiratory issue.
Friday, TAF told us they now have 150 dogs symptomatic for infectious respiratory disease and a total of 7 confirmed cases of the virus.
The NSPCA says they modified their shelter operations effective immediately to “ensure safety and well-being” of their animals. Dogs are still available through adoption here. Officials with the shelter say the public is not able to walk the dog adoption floor.
“Our cats and small animal adoptions will continue as usual,” the shelter says.
The City of Henderson Animal Care and Control also modified operations in response to a dog who tested positive for the virus. Officials say the virus is highly contagious and they have five more tests pending results since Wednesday. FOX5 has reached out to see if there is an update on those five cases.
Henderson’s animal shelter says they implemented restrictions on dog intakes, “prioritizing those that are injuries, ill or pose a public safety risk.”
According to Henderson Animal Shelter’s Administrator Danielle Harney, the virus did not originate within the shelter but is believed to have been brought in by a previously infected surrendered dog(s).
The shelter says they are enforcing a temporary halt on accepting animals to prevent further spread and is diligently quarantining and treating affected animals.
The City of Henderson provided a list of symptoms to look for and ways to prevent the spread of the virus:
- H3N2 presents symptoms akin to “kennel cough,” including sneezing, nasal discharge, and persistent coughing, often accompanied by fever and lethargy.
- Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure what they need.
- Even if your dog shows no symptoms, please refrain from taking them to dog parks, doggie daycare, or any public places where unknown dogs gather.
- If you must board your dog, ensure that the facility is taking all precautions to prevent disease spread, which includes requiring vaccinations to board at the facility.
The shelter says asymptomatic animals can still transmit the virus.
“We are grateful for our dedicated Animal Care and Control staff and volunteers, who are working around the clock to provide premier care to our animals,” the City of Henderson said.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Animal Foundation said as of Friday morning, they are looking for willing homes to foster dogs and cats. 221 dogs and 59 cats are available to foster. For those interested, more information can be found here. Officials say no appointment is necessary.
As for the City of Henderson, there is a scheduled meeting on March 5 to discuss an ordinance limiting commercial animal establishments that sell dogs, cats and/or rabbits to commercial animal establishments that already hold permits. This amendment would also prohibit permits from being issued to new commercial animal establishments that sell dogs, cats and/or rabbits which do not already hold permits.
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