The three dogs that were confirmed to have tested positive via TVMDL for the canine distemper virus (CDV) have left the shelter for medical fostering with detailed medical instructions and supportive pharmaceuticals.
Fort Bend County Animal Services would like to make it clear that we do not have 80 symptomatic dogs in the kennel requiring treatment. Currently, there are 2 dogs who have shown symptoms of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) who are being isolated from the population until they can be tested, fostered and/or rescued.
We are utilizing all of the tools that we have available to us to provide the best care for all of the animals in the shelter who are symptomatic while keeping the public informed with the most accurate information that we have here at the shelter. We are in the process of implementing new processes throughout the shelter from cleaning protocols to stress reduction programs.
We want to thank those families that stepped up to help us foster some of our dogs and we are still in need of fosters if you are interested. While we do recommend that any medical fosters go to pet-free homes, we will allow fostering for homes that have pets who are up to date on their vaccines with a signed waiver.
For your information, FBCAS is the only source for you to contact if you have any questions regarding the health of the pets in the shelter and we can be reached at 281-342-1512 or you can email at barbara.vass@fortbendcountytx.gov.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)
CIRDC is a syndrome of diseases that are of significant concern in any multi-dog setting and the appropriate treatment and containment practices needed to address a CIRDC incident will vary considerably based on the specific agent or agents involved. Identifying the agents in many cases involved is not possible therefore a prevention strategy is the key to tackling CIRDC in a shelter setting.
Clinical signs of CIRDC may include sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, and sometimes lower respiratory and/or systemic disease. Viral pathogens associated with CIRDC in dogs include Parainfluenza, Adenovirus-2, Respiratory coronavirus (distinct from canine enteric coronavirus), Herpesvirus -1, Pneumovirus. Canine distemper and canine influenza may also be associated with upper respiratory signs, but can also cause more severe systemic disease in a proportion of infected dogs. For more information on CIRDC, please visit: https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-a-k-a-kennel-cough
Barbara Vass
Community Involvement Coordinator
Fort Bend County Animal Services
1210 Blume Road
Rosenberg, TX 77471
Main: 281-342-1512
Direct: 281-238-2277
Fax: 281-341-7268
www.fortbendcountypets.com
Facebook: Fort Bend County Pets – Fort Bend County Animal Services