(Douglasville, GA) The Douglas County Animal Shelter, located at 2171 Mack Road in Douglasville, has been placed under a mandatory quarantine by the Georgia Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of Pneumovirus and Parvovirus. Thirteen dogs are currently sick with Pneumovirus, and three dogs are sick with Parvovirus. The dogs that tested positive for Parvovirus had the virus upon entry to the shelter; however, because symptoms are not immediately visible, the infection was not detectable at the time of intake. The quarantine order follows the shelter’s voluntary closure on Thursday as a proactive effort to safeguard against further spread.
The quarantine, effective immediately, will remain in place until further notice. During this period, the shelter will follow strict protocols to contain the outbreak and provide necessary medical care to affected animals. The facility will remain closed to the public, and no animals will be allowed to enter or leave the shelter, except for those being reclaimed by their owners. Additionally, Animal Control will operate on an emergency-only basis, responding only to cases involving injured, aggressive, or sick animals.
"The pneumovirus is significant because it lasts longer, is more contagious, and can sometimes cause pneumonia or other complications," said Vanessa Francikowski, Douglas County Animal Services Director. "While all animals are vaccinated upon intake to prevent disease transmission, some may arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may already be carrying active viruses. While there is currently no vaccine for pneumovirus, we are working closely with our shelter veterinarian and the state veterinarian to remain hyper-vigilant and ensure this virus does not spread into the community."
No cats have been affected by the illness, and intake, adoption, rescue, and return-to-owner services will continue as usual for cats. Shelter staff remain in good health.
The quarantine will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information regarding the quarantine, contact Vanessa Francikowski at vfrancikowski@douglascountyga.gov or call the shelter at 770-942-5961.