Mystery Canine Illness Shutters County Animals Services Facility And Adoption Center​

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — An outbreak of an unidentified canine illness has shut down the the Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center.

The temporarily closure takes effect immediately. No dog adoptions will be allowed until further notice. Currently, the disease isn't spreading from dogs to any other animals within the facility.

“As we are seeing an uptick of this disease strike shelters nationwide, we are acting out of an abundance of caution to help stop the spread of this disease,” said David Fisher, associate director of the department of animal services. “The best place for a dog to be at this time is in a home being watched carefully by their owner.”

ASFAC will allow pets to leave the facility if:

• It is a return to the owner (RTO);
• An adoption is in process and the pet shows no signs of illness; and
• The pet is considered for foster and shows no signs of illness.

To help reduce the spread of the disease in the community, ASFAC encourages pet owners to limit visits to dog parks, doggie daycares, groomers, and other public spaces where pets have dog-to-dog contact. They also encourage pet owners to keep their pets updated on vaccines, avoid communal water bowls, and seek medical advice from a veterinarian if any symptoms like a cough or runny nose develop.

For more information or updates on when the facility will reopen, contact (301) 780-7200.