Dog adoptions at Lake County animal shelter suspended after virus outbreak

Shelter vet identifies outbreak of canine parvovirus

TAVARES, Fla. – Lake County Animal Services will close the shelter for dog adoptions and intake immediately, because of an outbreak of parvovirus.

Officials said Wednesday the decision was made under the direction of the shelter veterinarian and also includes the closure of its night-drop kennels.

"The shelter is following ASPCA protocols for this situation and are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the shelter as well as closely monitoring the health of our shelter dogs," Brian Sheahan of Lake County said in a releasec

Dog adoptions will resume when the veterinarian deems it safe. The shelter is still open to the public for cat adoptions.

Animal Services has contacted all people who have adopted dogs within the past two weeks.

Canine parvovirus is contagious and life-threatening to dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, severe vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

The suspension comes a day after Local 6 reported Animal Services was under fire after an audit found adopted dogs died because they weren't properly cared for while at the shelter.


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