Canine flu epidemic dissipates in LA City animal shelters – Los Angeles Sentinel | Los Angeles Sentry

(Facebook / Los Angeles County – Agoura Animal Care Center)

Access restrictions caused by a canine flu outbreak at two animal shelters in the city of Los Angeles have been lifted, meaning potential pet adopters can once again visit animals at shelters in Los Angeles. Chatsworth and West Los Angeles.

An unspecified number of dogs at shelters in West Valley and West Los Angeles tested positive for canine flu in October and November, triggering safety protocols banning people from visiting the dogs.

“After hard work by our staff and medical team, the dogs at our LA Animal Service Centers in West LA and West Valley are being removed from quarantine by the LA County Public Health Veterinarian,” he said. said Dana Brown, CEO of city Animal. Services, said in a statement.

Shelter animals are vaccinated against canine flu, however, just like the COVID-19 vaccine for humans, vaccines do not necessarily mean dogs will not be infected. This means that new dogs introduced into the shelter have the potential to infect animals already present. Vaccinated animals, however, are less likely to become seriously ill.

While residents can once again visit the animals at the shelter, city officials said some rules will remain in place. Dogs in shelters can be placed with foster families, but those who are not fully vaccinated should stay home and in quarantine until they are. People who already have dogs in the home should also refrain from bringing home a new dog from shelters, unless all pets are fully vaccinated. Cats, kittens, rabbits and other small mammals are not affected by canine flu and are available for adoption as usual.

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