Quarantine Issued for Transylvania County Animal Shelter due to Canine Influenza & Distemper
Transylvania County Animal Services will be CLOSED to ALL owner canine surrenders and ALL canine adoptions for a minimum of two weeks, effective immediately, under the guidance of our shelter veterinarian for contagious disease canine quarantine. Our goal is 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 Services staff will continue to provide their quality care for quarantined canines at the shelter. Animal Service Officers will 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.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe and healthy. We are urging all dog owners to take immediate precautions against Canine Influenza 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 Influenza (Dog Flu): A highly contagious respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the human flu. 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 Influenza:
• Coughing and nasal discharge
• Sneezing
• Lethargy and 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 Influenza and Distemper.
• Avoid public dog areas during outbreaks or if your pet is not vaccinated.
• Keep sick dogs at home and separated 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.