Canine Parvovirus Outbreak Quarantines Harris County Animal Shelter, Suspends Dog Intakes
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has issued a temporary quarantine at its Harris County Pets animal shelter in response to a recent outbreak of canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus affecting dogs. The swift action is aimed at protecting the health of the animals in the shelter and preventing further spread of the disease within the facility and the broader community.
As of early May, several areas within the shelter have been placed under quarantine. Enhanced sanitation protocols have been activated, and public interaction with shelter dogs is being temporarily restricted. In addition, owner surrenders have been suspended through Sunday, May 18, as a preventive measure to limit the intake of potentially infected animals.
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus, often referred to as “parvo,” is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system of dogs. It spreads through direct contact with infected dogs or indirectly through exposure to contaminated objects, including bedding, toys, food bowls, and even human clothing and shoes. The virus is known for its resilience, capable of surviving in the environment for weeks or even months.
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While any dog can contract the virus, unvaccinated puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Symptoms typically include:
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and fever
Because there is no specific cure for parvovirus, supportive treatment is crucial and often involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and close veterinary monitoring. Early diagnosis through veterinary examination and testing greatly improves a dog’s chances of survival.
Shelter Response and Public Impact
Due to the nature of the outbreak, all volunteer dog walking activities have been suspended until further notice, and access to dogs inside the shelter will remain restricted. These measures are reassessed every 48 hours to determine when it may be safe to resume normal operations.
Parvovirus outbreaks are a known risk in shelters due to the high volume and turnover of animals, many of whom arrive unvaccinated. Harris County Pets is working to contain the outbreak through immediate isolation of symptomatic animals, expanded cleaning measures, and an emphasis on vaccination compliance for all intakes.
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Protecting Your Pet: Vaccination Is Key
HCPH strongly urges all dog owners in the Greater Houston area to confirm that their pets are up to date on core vaccines, especially the parvovirus vaccine. Vaccination is the most reliable defense against infection, and new pet adopters should follow through with the full vaccination series with their veterinarian.
If a dog needs a parvovirus vaccine, it can be administered at any licensed veterinary clinic or through the Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 281-999-3191.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
As the situation continues to evolve, check back with My Neighborhood News for the latest updates and guidance from Harris County Public Health. For now, residents are encouraged to take preventive measures and avoid bringing new pets into the home unless vaccinations are confirmed.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
