Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease

Dear Members of Our Pet-loving Community,

We hope this message finds you and your furry friends in good health. Our commitment to the well-being of our companion animals is paramount, and it is with this commitment in mind that we bring your attention to a current national concern – a recently discovered respiratory virus, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (A-CIRD).

The Situation: We want to address a recent increase in canine respiratory cases nationwide. While Spokane Humane Society has yet to experience this outbreak with the animals in our care, we want to relay that our team is staying vigilant in monitoring signs of the virus in our canines. It is essential to be aware and take proactive measures to keep our four-legged friends safe and healthy.

Preventive Measures for Furr Parents:

1. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Ensure your dog has regular check-ups with a trusted veterinarian to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early.
2. Hygiene Practices: Practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands after handling your pet or any other animal and cleaning their living spaces.
3. Avoid High-Risk Areas: Minimize visits to crowded dog parks and communal areas where the risk of transmission may be higher.
4. Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, including those that protect against respiratory infections.

Measures We Are Taking:

1. Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: We will continue our cleaning and disinfection procedures within our facilities to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure that our team members are handwashing in between handling each animal.
2. Isolation and Quarantine: Dogs showing any signs of respiratory symptoms will be isolated and monitored, with veterinary checks and care. If symptomatic, animals will stay out of play groups. Leashes and or gear will not be shared.
3. Staff and Veterinarian Collaboration: Our team will process diagnostic panels if we receive severe cases and follow up with reporting to the state when necessary.
4. Intake of Out-of-State Dogs: SHS rarely takes in out-of-state animals. In light of the new illness, we are limiting the intake of dogs from out of state to prevent potential cross-border transmission.
5. Proof of Vaccinations for Animal Meet and Greets: Our adoption center locations (Shelter, BARK, A Rescue Pub, and Northpointe PetSmart) will be asking for proof of vaccinations and verifying that their dogs have had no respiratory symptoms in the last 30 days in order for an animal-to-animal meet and greet to take place.

Symptoms:

• Chronic tracheobronchitis (mild to moderate inflammation of the trachea) that is minimally responsive to antibiotics and is prolonged in duration (6-8 weeks). Signs may include coughing, fever, ocular and nasal discharge, lethargy, and inappetence.
• Chronic pneumonia (minimal or nonresponsive to antibiotics and prolonged in duration)
• Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe within 24-36 hours

How You Can Help:

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest information about the outbreak and follow any recommendations provided by local veterinary authorities.
2. Report Symptoms: If your dog shows any signs of respiratory distress, contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their guidance.

We understand the deep bond between pet parents and their fur babies, and we assure you that we are doing everything within our power to keep our shelter animals safe and healthy. Your continued support, cooperation, and understanding are invaluable during these times.

Thank you for being a responsible and caring member of our pet-loving community.

Sincerely,

The Spokane Humane Society Team