PAWS limiting public access due to parvo

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Public access to Anderson County P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth Saving) will be limited for a minimum of two weeks following the detection of parvovirus in three canines. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have implemented a targeted quarantine of our facility,” said Anderson County Governmental Affairs Director Steve Newton. “Some animals brought to us within the past week began showing symptoms of parvovirus after being brought to our facility. The normal incubation time for these viruses is generally less than 14 days.”

The Standard Operating Procedures for Anderson County P.A.W.S. call for either the euthanasia or quarantine of all animals that may have come into contact with an animal who tests positive for parvovirus. The P.A.W.S. management team has decided to impose a quarantine in order to avoid the unnecessary mass euthanasia of the animals.

Not all animals at P.A.W.S. are subject to the quarantine; however, the public will have limited access during the quarantine period. The following protocols are in place until further notice:

· P.A.W.S. will not accept any drop-offs or surrenders of animals by the general public until the two-week quarantine is lifted. Animals seized by law enforcement during that time will continue to be received at the facility.

· At this time, no large dogs will be available for adoption. All large dogs at P.A.W.S. are subject to the quarantine.

· At this time, cats, puppies, small dogs, and kittens are available for adoption. The animals being made available for adoption during this time have been segregated and are not subject to the facility quarantine.

· P.A.W.S. will honor the $10 special adoption promotion price for available animals at the facility until Tuesday April 26th. A special $10 adoption promotion for large dogs will be offered once again after the quarantine period is over.

· Owners of animals believed to have been turned in to P.A.W.S. as strays should contact the facility by calling (864) 260-4151.

· P.A.W.S. will issue a news release at such time as the quarantine is lifted or modified.

“It is our hope that these measures will prove unnecessary, and that all of the animals in our care will get through the quarantine period in good shape”, said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “We cannot in good conscience perform a mass euthanasia unless doing so is absolutely necessary, and we appreciate the public’s forbearance and support over the coming days”.

The public may contact Anderson County P.A.W.S. at (864) 260-4151 with questions.