After suspending dog surrenders and adoptions earlier this week, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society has confirmed a case of canine distemper in one of its dogs — and the dog has died.
The organization said in a Nov. 3 social media post that its staff sought emergency veterinary care over the weekend after the dog began showing signs of illness, and the discovery also led to a pause in all dog donations and adoptions.
Now, in a follow-up message confirming one case of canine distemper and “one life lost to this devastating disease,” the humane society said it is taking steps to test all high-risk dogs under care for the disease, although it noted that many of its dogs are at medium or low risk because they are vaccinated at intake.
“At this time, we do not adopt shelter dogs, and we do not accept owner surrenders or strays,” the organization said. “We have several dogs in foster care that are still available for adoption.”
The organization said it uses “disinfectants proven to kill viruses” to deep clean dog kennels, and continues to monitor each dog it treats in accordance with University of Wisconsin guidelines.
The humane society also said it is checking all pets adopted in recent weeks, and if any risk is found, they will contact the owners, although it also encouraged recent adopters to monitor their pets and contact a veterinarian with any concerns.
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What is a dog poop?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, distemper is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs. All dogs are at risk of getting sick, but especially Puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against it.
The disease is contagious and dogs are most often infected when an infected dog sneezes, coughs or barks in the air. It can also spread through shared food and water bowls.
According to the association, the best way to prevent distemper in dogs is vaccination.
The disease does not affect humans, cats or most small animals, the humane society said.
Does the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society still accept cats for adoption?
The organization also announced on social media that its cat adoption room was full. It’s hosting an adoption event with 50% off all cats November 7-9. and a 25% discount from 10 to 13 November.
How can I help the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society?
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society accepts monetary donations online through its website. The organization said the cost of additional testing is significant.
This article originally appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Humane Society suspends dog adoptions amid flea die-off