The Walker County Animal Shelter will remain closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, commonly known as CDV.
According to shelter officials, all eight puppies in the litter died from the highly contagious airborne virus.
Shelter officials said the closure is necessary because of the facility’s open-concept design and limited ability to properly isolate and quarantine animals that may have been exposed.
The shelter vaccinates all animals upon intake and staff members work to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, officials say the incident underscores the challenges open-intake shelters face when animals arrive without age-appropriate vaccinations.
“The decision to close is not one we take lightly, and we are deeply disheartened by the circumstances,” said Bailey Clements, director of animal services. “Our priority remains protecting the health and safety of the animals in our care and the broader community.”
During the closure, shelter staff will conduct a deep cleaning of the entire facility, including all equipment and entry and exit points.
Clements said staff members will continue assisting the public and providing resources when possible while also working to strengthen shelter programs and educate the community on responsible pet ownership and preventative veterinary care.
The positive canine distemper case has been reported to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is assisting the shelter during the closure.