Urgent Fosters Needed: Austin Pets Alive! Battles Dog Virus Outbreak
A critical situation has unfolded in Austin, Texas, as the city's animal shelters grapple with a contagious respiratory virus affecting dogs. Austin Pets Alive!, a local animal rescue organization, is calling for immediate foster care to prevent further spread. The virus, known as pneumovirus, presents symptoms similar to a common cold, including a runny nose, cough, and occasional fever. While it only affects dogs, humans can carry the virus, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
The outbreak began at Austin Animal Services, where the first confirmed case was identified on Wednesday. As of now, three cases have been confirmed, but a concerning 50 other dogs exhibit symptoms. The shelter's staff is deeply concerned about the rapid spread of the virus across the country.
To address the crisis, Austin Animal Services transferred approximately 20 dogs to Austin Pets Alive! on Sunday, aiming to minimize potential exposure. Elizabeth Ferrer, from Austin Animal Services, emphasized the urgency, stating, 'We don't want the virus to spread into the community.' She advised against fostering or adopting dogs with other dogs in their homes to prevent transmission. Additionally, she stressed the importance of responsible dog walking to avoid the virus's spread throughout the city.
Austin Pets Alive! is actively seeking foster homes to accommodate 25 to 35 dogs as soon as possible, with a minimum commitment of three weeks. Jordana Moerbe, the medical director, highlighted the significance of foster homes in preventing illness within shelter environments. By offering temporary homes, foster caregivers contribute to the protection of individual dogs and the overall health of the shelter system.
Individuals interested in fostering can visit Austin Pets Alive!'s main location at 1156 West Cesar Chavez St. before 6 p.m. on Sunday or after 12 p.m. on Monday. This timely intervention is crucial to controlling the virus's spread and ensuring the well-being of Austin's canine population.
