FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2025
Quarantine Extended for Transylvania County Animal Shelter due to Canine Influenza & Distemper
On May 6, Transylvania County Animal Services announced they would be CLOSED to ALL owner canine surrenders and ALL canine adoptions for a minimum of two weeks. Since that time, animal service staff have been devoted to taking care of our shelter animals and treating symptoms under the guidance of the shelter veterinarian. In consultation with an epidemiologist, the shelter’s veterinarian is recommending an extension of the quarantine until June 5. Testing of symptomatic animals continues to inform these recommendations. Our goal continues to be to limit exposure and isolate this outbreak for the safety of our shelter animals, your personal pets and all furry babies in our community. Animal Service Officers will continue to focus on reunifying nonaggressive stray dogs with their owners in the field as they will not be able to safely enter the shelter. All owners are asked to be extra cautious so that pets remain secure and are not roaming away from home. Any further extensions will be released once the need is identified.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe and healthy. We are urging all dog owners to take immediate precautions against Canine Parainfluenza and Canine Distemper—two serious, contagious diseases that can spread rapidly and lead to severe illness or even death. Unfortunately, both diseases have been identified at the shelter due to a recent intake. Make sure that your canine’s vaccinations are up to date and follow up with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or your pet presents with any of the symptoms below.
🦠 What Illnesses Have Been Identified?
• Canine Parainfluenza-CPIV: A highly contagious respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the human flu along with low grade fever. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, contaminated surfaces, and contact with infected dogs.
• Canine Distemper: A viral disease with no cure that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It spreads through airborne exposure (sneezing/coughing) and shared food/water bowls.
🐾 Common Signs of Infection
Canine Parainfluenza:
• Coughing and nasal discharge
• Sneezing
• Lethargy and low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
Canine Distemper:
• Eye/nose discharge
• Fever and vomiting
• Coughing and labored breathing
• Seizures, twitching, or paralysis (advanced stages)
💉 Prevention Is Key
• Vaccinate your dog against both Canine Parainfluenza and Distemper.
• Avoid public dog areas during outbreaks or if your pet is not vaccinated.
• Keep sick dogs at home and separate from others.
• Disinfect leashes, bowls, and bedding frequently.
🏥 Act Fast if You Suspect Illness
• Contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Isolate your dog and avoid exposing other pets.
• Follow medical advice, quarantine periods, and care instructions.
🐶 Help us protect the dogs in our community—vaccinate, educate, and act early.