Jackson County Animal Services Reopens Amid Respiratory Illness Outbreak
The Jackson County Animal Services facility has reopened to the public as of November 28, following a suspension of services due to a concerning respiratory illness affecting dogs nationwide. The temporary closure was initiated just days before Thanksgiving to manage this health crisis.
Temporary Closure for Health Precautions
The Jackson County Health & Human Services Department (JCHHS) announced the closure on November 21, emphasizing the need for immediate action. In a public statement, JCHHS noted, “Effective immediately, the shelter will be closed to the public and its usual activities to manage what appears to be a type of respiratory illness mimicking kennel cough.”
Extent of the Illness and Impact on Shelter Dogs
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, JCHHS director Stacy Brubaker reported that approximately one-third of the shelter’s 100 dogs were showing symptoms of respiratory illness. This prompted the shelter to implement strict measures to prevent further spread.
Brubaker added, “As we see more and more dogs becoming symptomatic, we must put measures into place to manage the spread of illness and the treatment of the animals exhibiting these symptoms.”
Resumption of Services and Adoption Timeline
After a week of closure, the shelter reopened its doors, yet Brubaker indicated that pet adoptions would not resume until at least December 5. This delay comes as the shelter anticipates a surge in adoption requests during the holiday season, which they hope to accommodate.
Public Health and Safety Measures
Reflecting on the ongoing challenges, Brubaker stated, “All of us just are doing our best.” For context, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported over 200 cases of this new canine respiratory illness. Early symptoms present as a simple cough but can escalate to severe pneumonia, posing significant risks to affected dogs.
As the community rallies to support the shelter during this health crisis, updates will be provided regarding the status of pet adoptions and health advisories to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors.
