Dog flu causes Orlando Pet Alliance to suspend adoptions

Cat adoptions in Orlando, Sanford locations still available

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando said Friday that two dogs have tested positive for the H3N2 dog flu virus, causing the shelter to halt dog adoptions at one of its locations.

The group said the two dogs are at the location on Conroy Road, and that 29 others dogs, at the same location,  are showing symptoms of the flu-like virus. Adoption center employees are also reaching out to all owners who adopted dogs since June. Pet Alliance officials said they are planning to offer free vaccines for those pets.

While the dog flu is highly contagious, it also treatable. The vaccine requires two injections and takes between three to four weeks to establish immunity to the H3N2 virus.

The viral infection, H3N2, causes a respiratory infection in canines, similar to kennel cough. The virus can infect cats, but it’s not very common.

Symptoms include fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days. Some dogs could require animal hospital car, according to the Pet Alliance. Most dogs recovered in about two weeks.

"We will suspend dog adoptions in our Orlando location until further notice.  We are still adopting (out) cats from our Orlando location,” Pet Alliance said on Facebook.

The group said it expects all the dogs to fully recover. Read the full news release here.

Cat adoptions are still ongoing at the Conroy Road location.The Sanford location remains open for dog and cat adoptions.

Orange County Animal Services also issued a statement Friday saying that its veterinarians are closely monitoring the situation and the spread of the virus.

An Orange County shelter is located across the street from the Pet Alliance location on Conroy Road.

“At this time there are NO REPORTS OF H3N2 at Orange County Animal Services,” according to the statement.

Orange County Animal Services officials encouraged owners to limit contact between their pets and other animals, including trips to the dog park.