Chatsworth Pups In The Clear After Canine Flue Outbreak

CHATSWORTH, CA — Chatsworth pups are finally in the clear after an outbreak of canine flu at multiple Los Angeles city shelters.

Pups at the West Valley Animal Shelter had to quarantine in late October when some tested positive for canine flu, which is highly contagious in dogs but does not infect humans, KTLA reported in October.

The lockdown has been — for the most part — lifted. Adopters can visit the shelters once again but foster dogs that aren't fully vaccinated will have to quarantine until vaccination. Similarly, any adopter with dogs already at home needs to ensure all the dogs are vaccinated before bringing a new pup home.

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that causes flu-like symptoms in dogs.

"After much hard work by our staff and the medical team, the dogs at our L.A. Animal Services Centers in West L.A. and West Valley are cleared from quarantine by the L.A. County Veterinary of Public Health," said Dana Brown, general manager of city Animal Services, said in a statement.

Animals at the shelters are vaccinated against canine influenza, however, much like the COVID-19 vaccine for people, the shots don't necessarily mean the dogs won't become infected. That means new dogs brought into the shelter can potentially infect the animals already there.

Vaccinated animals, however, are less likely to become severely ill.

City News Service contributed to this story.