Virus Prompts Adoption Suspensions at Humane Society

LONGVIEW — Animal adoptions have been suspended by the Humane Society of Northeast Texas. The problem stems from a respiratory virus among some of the animals. Local veterinarians had been contacted to run tests in an effort to determine which virus was working its way through the animals. The shelter is still accepting animal surrenders from the public as well as from animal control officers in the area. But they are discouraging residents from giving up their dogs, at least for right now.

Executive Director Scott Holloway issued the following statement:

“We in the area of Gregg County are experiencing an upper respiratory virus among the canine population which, at sudden onset, will show nasal signs, including ocular discharge, nasal discharge, sneezing, and often coughing. The virus can rapidly progress into a high fever, and even death, shortly after the first signs are present. The Humane Society of Northeast Texas has quarantined our current residents for observation and suspended adoptions until we determine that the animals in our care are health.

“Although we will allow animal surrenders from the public, we will discourage them until the current threat is eliminated. We have isolated our current residents and arranged for clean and sanitized accommodations for incoming animals; however, we are dealing with a virus that can transmit airborne. Animal control services will continue through their municipalities and we will do all we can within reason to keep those dogs healthy.”