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The temporary closure is in order to protect the current animals at the shelter and any new animals, said Kevin Coughlin, Bridgeport's public safety spokesman. The shelter is undergoing a thorough cleaning as well.
The virus has affected only three of the 53 dogs at Animal Control, but in order to keep all the animals safe, every dog is quarantined, Coughlin said.
Animal Control’s shelter is undergoing "an overabundance of cleaning" during the quarantine and dogs are being given extra veterinary care, he said.
“We are being overly cautious and overly thorough,” said Gina Gambino, Animal Control Officer for the City of Bridgeport. “The entire shelter area is cleaned twice a day with full strength bleach and dogs are regularly being checked and rechecked for any signs of the illness. Animal Control is doing everything we can to keep our animals safe and healthy.”
During this time, Animal Control will be working with shelters in neighboring towns to help house any new dogs or cats that are picked up, Coughlin said.
Bridgeport Animal Control vaccinates every dog that it owns against canine parvovirus. However, State Law stipulates that Animal Control can become the owner of dogs only after seven to eight days from the time the animal is picked up. Without legally owning the dog Bridgeport Animal Control is unable perform any type of vaccination under state statute.
Canine parvovirus is a contagious viral disease that is one of the most common serious dog disease problems encountered in animal shelters. The parvovirus is very stable in the environment, rendering it very resistant to most disinfectants. Puppies are the most susceptible, especially if they have roundworms or other bacteria.
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