Monmouth County SPCA Shuts Due To Canine Flu

TINTON FALLS, NJ — An outbreak of a highly contagious form of canine flu has prompted the Monmouth County SPCA to shut down all adoptions and veterinary services offered at the shelter, officials announced.

The shelter announced the closure Friday evening in a post on its Facebook page.

The closure, shelter officials said, is due to confirmed H3N2 canine influenza, which is a highly contagious infection that can make animals very sick. Officials anticipate the shelter will remain closed until at least Jan. 2, based on the contagion period of the virus.

The shelter has been working closely with the state and county Boards of Health, and working to alert veterinarians in the community as well.

Anyone who has adopted a dog in the last three weeks from the shelter or brought a dog in for treatment at the Vogel Veterinary Clinic during that time has been notified of the presence of the virus, officials said. No dogs brought to the shelter from the outside have show any signs of the illness.

"Still, we continue to educate the public and are monitoring things closely," officials said.

While H3N2 canine influenza is very contagious, "most cases respond well with time and supportive care," shelter officials said.

Symptoms of the virus include significant appetite loss and/or lethargy; severe nasal discharge; and severe, heavy coughing. Dogs showing any of those symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, "and mention the potential presence of canine influenza," officials said.

Dog and cat adoptions and and veterinary services through the clinic are suspended, but animal control services will continue to operate. Volunteer activities at the shelter are suspended as well.

The thrift store remains open and the welcome center is open for donation drop-offs only.

"Thank you for your patience during this time and especially for your support," officials wrote in a message on the shelter website. "The blankets and linens you’ve supplied are keeping our animals cozy and warm. Your monetary donations have allowed us to purchase additional antibiotics, subcutaneous fluids, pill pockets and oxygen support."

"Being closed for nearly a month at our busiest time of year, the shelter faces a devastating loss in revenue. Your donations help ensure that we can carry on our mission while fighting this illness," the message said.