Virus Prompts Closure of County Animal Shelter

Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes has closed after four dogs tested positive for Parvovirus, a canine virus.

According to a Pasco County news release, the dog adoption area is off limits to the public until July 9, pending no further outbreaks.

Parvovirus is considered very contagious in the canine community.

“The best way to help prevent dogs from getting or transmitting the virus is to vaccinate,” the county said in the release. “Dogs that come into the shelter are evaluated and examined, and given vaccinations for Parvovirus. However, the virus has a 3-12 day incubation period, so that dogs that are infected with Parvovirus can test negative during the incubation period.”

No other details were immediately available.

The shelter was in the news earlier this week. It had come under fire by Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri, who said, among other problems, a black lab was scheduled for euthanasia because of a lack of space.