Vermilion County Animal Shelter temporarily closing amid parvo outbreak

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Vermilion County Animal Shelter is closing for the next few days as they manage a parvovirus outbreak amongst their dogs.

Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that attacks dogs’ gastrointestinal systems. It can be spread through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are particularly vulnerable to the illness, and they can even die from it.

People are immune to parvo, but they can still carry it on their clothes or hands. As for dogs, symptoms include a lack of appetite followed by lethargy. Young pups may also experience diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

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Staff from the Vermilion County Animal Shelter said several dogs in their building have now tested positive or shown symptoms of parvo. They also have 18 puppies below four months old that they need to keep especially safe, as well as dogs that may have entered unvaccinated.

To keep the virus from spreading further, the shelter will close for a deep cleaning and will limit all dog intake. Staff also said they will make a designated parvo isolation zone in the building so unaffected dogs can remain unaffected.

The Vermilion County Animal Shelter expects to reopen within a week. In the meantime, they say people are welcome to donate needed items through their Amazon Wish List or by dropping items off in the black box in front of the building.

The shelter is most in need of:

• PPE gowns, pants, and shoe covers

• Dish soap

• Bleach

• Rescue products (as seen on their wish list)

• Pill Pockets

• Canned puppy food

• Lysol

• Laundry soap

• Fabuloso

• Paper towels

• Clorox wipes

• Mops and mop heads

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