Walker County Animal Shelter to close for 30 days after surrendered puppies test positive for distemper virus
Walker County Animal Shelter
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for a minimum of 30-days following a positive test for canine distemper virus (CDV) from a litter of surrendered puppies.
They say all eight puppies in the litter succumbed to the virus.
CDV is an extremely contagious airborne virus. The Walker County Animal Center says due to the shelter’s open-concept design and lack of adequate facilities to properly isolate and quarantine exposed animals, a full shutdown is necessary.
“The decision to close is not one we take lightly, and we are deeply disheartened by the circumstances. Our priority remains protecting the health and safety of the animals in our care and the broader community.”
– Bailey Clements, director of animal services said.
During the closure, shelter staff will deep clean all equipment in the facility, as well as every entry and exit point.
The positive CDV test has been reported to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is providing the shelter with assistance.
