BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Greater Birmingham Humane Society has identified cases of Canine Pneumovirus in dogs at the Jefferson County Animals Care and Control facility in Woodlawn.
GBHS has suspended adoptions of all dogs at this time. Spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccine clinics will be offered to the public and rescue organizations at the GBHS Hospital in Hoover. Cat and kitten adoptions will continue at the GBHS Adoption Center.
"Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, and to protect citizens' pets and dog-related businesses from any further spread, we will close healthy stray canine intake at the Woodlawn facility beginning Thursday, August 15th, 2024. All canine intakes will move to the GBHS Snow Drive facility, and only dangerous dogs, severely injured dogs, and canines seized by law enforcement will be accepted at the facility," said Chief Medical Officer Russell Johnson.
Residents who find a dog can schedule a drive thru microchip scan, free vaccines, deworming, flea treatment, and supply pick-up at the Snow Drive location by calling 205-942-1211. CnPnV is highly contagious, and most dogs have no pre-existing immunity. Most dogs experience coughing for one to two weeks, but some may progress to pneumonia requiring in-hospital care.
Shelter medicine officials Cynda Crawford, DVM, and Brendan Bergquist, DVM are working with multiple shelters throughout the state and country, who have advised GBHS officials that this may last as long as six weeks. GBHS will re-open seven days after the last dog at Woodlawn breaks with the virus.