KANSAS CITY - A major development in the parvovirus outbreak at St. Louis County Animal Care and Control.
Doctor Douglas Pernikoff abruptly resigned Friday night. This follows the euthanization of at least 19 dogs following the parvo outbreak. There seemed to be a discrepancy in the time line as to when the first case of parvo was discovered at ACC.
Doctor Kanika Cunningham the director of St. Louis County Public Health oversees Animal Care and Control. Initially Cunningham reported the fist case on April 30th, Wednesday, but by Sunday in a press conference with County Executive Doctor Sam Page, Cunningham said the first case on April 19th.
When KMOX interviewed the Deputy Director of Public Health Dr. Landrus Burress on April 30th, he denied there was an outbreak and said only a few, five dogs, had the highly contagious parvovirus.
Two days later, on May 2nd, Doctor Cunningham said in a press release 19 dogs were euthanized.
On Monday, May 5th, KMOX News asked several questions of the public health information manager Mitch Finnegan.
Q Doctor Cunninham said, the first case of Parvovirus in the shelter was on April 19th. So why wasn't it reported until April 30th?
A "The first positive case of Parvovirus was identified on Saturday, April 19th. According to our veterinary staff and the University of Florida Shelter Medicine program, the incubation period from time of exposure to onset of clinical disease ranges from 2 to 14 days, which likely accounts for the delayed rise in positive cases."
Q Are new admissions immediately tested specifically for parvo, before being placed with the regular pet population?
A "It is not standard practice to test for Parvo upon intake. Parvo tests can be recommended at the onset of any clinical symptoms including sudden fever, vomiting, or diarrhea."
Q Does County Animal Care and Control intend to open as soon as Monday and if so, is that adequate time for the shelter to be thoroughly deep cleaned and sanitized?
A -"No, the adoption center will not be open on Monday. We are currently evaluating a safe process to reopen to the public."
Q Why is the Director of Animal Care and Control Dr. Douglas Pernikoff, a veterinarian, not providing the press briefings? While Doctor Cunningham heads up Public Health that oversees Animal Care and Control operations, wouldn't a veterinarian have more knowledge of health matters that deal with animals?
A "It is standard process to have a Department Head handle a media briefing of this level. Dr. Cunningham receives regular updates from the veterinary staff at the adoption center."
Q What is the name of the second veterinarian on staff at the Shelter?
A Doctor Melissa Bowers
On Wednesday, KMOX News did a Sunshine request for the plan Doctor Pernikoff submitted to the Department of Agriculture State of Missouri. That is the agency that regulates shelters, both private and public.
The following information is what was sent to KMOX from the state.
KMOX News contacted Mitch Finnegan for a statement. He says one will not be released for one or two days, he would only confirm Pernikoff's resignation. Calls to Dr. Pernikoff were not returned