The Vermilion County Animal Shelter, on Catlin Tilton Road in Danville, has suspended the intake off all animals after a dog feared to be affected by the growing virus or bacteria has not responded to antibiotic treatment. Arrangements are being made for the University of Illinois to take over treatment of the ill dog to find more information.
In addition, six additional dogs at the shelter have come down with upper respiratory symptoms similar to those found in the spreading illness. Once again, these are pneumonia-like symptoms that can easily be confused with regular respiratory problems that commonly occur in dogs. But at this point, it is not known how serious the additional illnesses are. Shelter director Kasey Snyder says personnel at the shelter are working on establishing an isolation area, and all newly ill dogs are being started on antibiotics. In addition, even though this illness is not yet known to affect cats or other animals, all animal intakes are currently suspended as a precaution. Snyder offers advice on what to do in a stray animal situation or dog bite.
AUDIO: It is appropriate to call 9-1-1 for dog bites. Otherwise, we ask that, if it’s not a true emergency, please do not call 9-1-1. If anybody finds a stray animal, we’re asking that they send up as e-mail or a Facebook message with the details of the animal, where they found it, and a picture.
The shelter will try to still handle some animal adoptions, if any other animals the adoptee has in their home are symptom free. Snyder says the shelter is asking the public for all the help and support they can offer during these challenging times as far as holding on to stray animals and offering donations. Donations can still be left in the black weather proof container outside the front of the building. Especially needed right now are bleach, dish soap, Lysol spray, and newspapers. For additional information and updates on the situation, please check the Vermilion County Animal Shelter Facebook page.
