Distemper closes Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

photo The puppy pictured here was allowed to stay out in public viewing and remained in contact with people and other animals. Signs of distemper appear on the puppy through dried nasal discharge. This puppy was eventually euthanized by the humane society after suffering for several days of the complications caused by distemper.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The Oak Ridge Animal Shelter has closed until next week after canine distemper tests came back positive.

The shelter said in a news release Wednesday it expects to reopen on Tuesday. It said the dogs that tested positive were euthanized to prevent the disease from spreading but did not say how many dogs were involved.

The release said the shelter had a distemper outbreak in March and began vaccinating all animals on intake. The latest episode happened after an animal already infected with distemper was turned in.

The shelter said it's working with the staff veterinarian to create a quarantine area where animals will remain for two weeks after intake.

The staff is cleaning and disinfecting kennels and disposing of items such as towels and blankets that could be contaminated.

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