Nature Coast Times

Citrus County Animal Services (CCAS) suspended all non-emergent dog intakes in December, in response to an upper respiratory outbreak at the shelter. As of Sunday, December 29, 2022, 59% of the exposed population was showing varying degrees of upper respiratory infection. There is no vaccine available for this virus; therefore, the only appropriate response is to isolate potentially sick and exposed animals to prevent the spread. CCAS staff is working closely with Dr. Cynda Crawford, infectious disease expert with the UF Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, to monitor the situation and plans to return to normal operations as soon as the infection finishes its course through the population.
To keep adoptable dogs from being stuck in the shelter, minimizing their risk of exposure, CCAS has reopened for limited dog adoptions. The first dogs were removed from isolation on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, and are now available for adoption. Additionally, dogs who have returned from foster are also available for adoption. Animals listed on www.citrusbocc.com/adoptapet with a name and no specified medical treatment/available date are ready to go home today.

CCAS will remain open for intake and care of sick or injured dogs, cruelty case intakes, cat intake and adoptions, product and license sales, and to return stray dogs to their homes. Citizens who find stray dogs are urged to help reunite them with their owners or to temporarily house them to prevent their intake into the shelter.
For more information, please contact CCAS at (352) 746-8400. 

Original source can be found here.