HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Services animal shelter is currently managing an increase in cases of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), commonly known as kennel cough. Veterinary staff at the shelter recently observed a rise in the illness among some of the dogs in their care.
This increase in CIRD is not isolated to Hernando County, as many animal shelters across the local region are also reporting a similar trend in canine respiratory illnesses.
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In response to the situation, the shelter’s veterinary team has submitted samples for testing to pinpoint the specific pathogen responsible for the outbreak. While the results are pending, the veterinary staff and leadership team are proactively implementing immediate precautions to contain the spread of the illness within the shelter.
“Our veterinary staff noted a slight shift in some of our dogs, presenting with CIRD,” stated a representative from Hernando County Animal Services. “While awaiting the test results, our veterinary staff and leadership team are working diligently to take immediate precautions.”
Fortunately, all dogs currently affected by CIRD at the Hernando County shelter are responding well to supportive care provided by the veterinary team.
Under the guidance of veterinarians from the University of Florida, the shelter is taking comprehensive measures to eliminate the spread of pathogens both within the shelter environment and throughout the wider community.
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To help mitigate potential exposure to dogs in the community, the shelter is requesting a specific action from residents.
“At this time, in hopes of reducing exposure to dogs throughout the community, we are requesting any citizen who finds a healthy stray dog, to hold onto the dog and attempt to locate the dog’s owner, if possible,” the representative explained. The shelter emphasizes that most stray dogs are typically found within a few blocks of their home. This temporary measure aims to reduce the number of dogs entering the shelter during this period.
Despite the increase in CIRD cases, the Hernando County Animal Services adoption center will remain open for both dog and cat adoptions. The shelter encourages those looking to add a furry companion to their family to continue visiting the center.
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