All locations of the SPCA of Texas have halted intake and adoptions for the next two weeks due to a distemper outbreak.
At least two dogs have recently become infected with the canine distemper virus.
"It can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs and ferrets," says Maura Davies with the SPCA of Texas, "as well as wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes and skunks."
Humans and cats are not at risk for infection by CDV, which is highly contagious and potentially fatal.
Therefore, the SPCA of Texas is closing all of its locations to adopters, volunteers and community members until at least June 22nd.
"Both of our shelters -- our Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center and our Ellis County Animal Care Center -- are closed for the next two weeks to intake and adoptions," says Davies. "Also our Myron K. Martin Spay Neuter and Veterinary Care Clinic will be closed for the next two weeks, as it is in the same building with our Generations Animal Care Center."
During this time, workers will be deep-cleaning the facilities, and employees will mainly be confined to their usual work area.
"It is our hope that we contain this quickly," says Davies, "but distemper is quite an invasive virus and can linger on items in the environment for extensive amounts of time."
Many of the SPCA's other programs and services will continue during this time, such as offsite adoptions of cats and kittens at PetSmart stores and adoptions of equine and livestock at the SPCA of Texas' Equine Center in McKinney.
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