TAMPA, Fla. – The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) and the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (PRC) are grappling with significant dog flu outbreaks within their facilities.
On Tuesday, the PRC relocated all 290 dogs from its Falkenburg Rd. facility to an offsite location. This marks the PRC’s first dog flu outbreak since 2018.
“This is the largest operation we’ve ever undertaken,” PRC director Scott Trebatoski said. “We’re operating at 150% capacity, making containment impossible here.”
Consulting with University of Florida experts, the PRC decided to move all dogs out of the facility for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection.
“The challenge is we don’t know who has been infected,” Trebatoski explained. “This virus is one that no dogs have natural immunity to, so exposure means infection.”
Veterinarians noticed a rise in coughing and nasal discharge among dogs. Tests confirmed the presence of dog flu. Hillsborough County animal officials indicated that 80% of dogs will exhibit symptoms, including cough, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
The PRC will be closed for deep cleaning from Wednesday to Sunday, reopening on Monday, July 1. However, it won’t accept new dogs until July 15, when adoptions and fostering will also resume.
Simultaneously, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is facing a similar crisis. For the first time in its 112-year history, HSTB will not accept dogs starting Wednesday until July 12.
“This decision was not made lightly,” HSTB CEO Sherry Silk stated. “HSTB prioritizes the health of its animals above all else. This unprecedented situation demands immediate action to protect dogs in Tampa Bay.”
The University of Florida recommended this course of action after one of HSTB’s over 220 dogs suddenly died.
“A stray or surrendered dog brought in the virus,” Silk said. “One day they seem fine, the next day they’re unable to stand.”
HSTB is now testing all its dogs. Contrary to expectations, experts advised against isolating the dogs, suggesting that mixing them could build herd immunity.
During the intake suspension until July 12, Silk acknowledged the difficulty for stray dogs. She urged owners to contact HSTB for influenza vaccinations.
The shelter will provide free dog food to anyone caring for strays, available for pickup between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Despite the outbreak, HSTB continues to adopt out healthy dogs and other animals. The shelter will still accept cats, rabbits, pocket pets, and exotics as the virus doesn’t affect non-canine species.
Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) also halted dog adoptions, intakes, surgeries, and rescue transfers until at least July 3 due to canine influenza. The outbreak, which began earlier this month, exposed all 127 dogs to the virus, with 75% showing symptoms.
PCAS Assistant Director Spencer Conover reported positive developments, with 24 dogs cleared and 56 test results pending.
“We plan to hold offsite adoption events soon and are seeking help from rescue partners to reduce our population so we can start taking in new dogs again,” Conover said.
He anticipates normal operations resuming in three to four weeks.
HSTB is urging pet owners to keep their dogs’ vaccinations up to date. The HSTB Animal Hospital offers $20 canine influenza vaccinations for owned pets. Appointments can be made online or by calling 813-870-3304.
“The community should not panic,” HSTB Director of Shelter Operations Danyelle Van Horn advised. “While canine influenza is serious, it is more dangerous in shelters due to the high number of animals and multiple transmission avenues.”
Related Topics:
