FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Animal Services continues the temporarily halt of large dog intake, defined as those weighing over 30 pounds, due to an outbreak of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), a highly contagious, but non-life-threatening illness.
Owners who wish to surrender large dogs, or citizens who find a healthy, friendly stray dog over 30 pounds, are asked to make other arrangements for the dog until Oct. 22. Animal Services can assist with providing pet food and other supplies for people who find a dog and are willing to keep it until the owner is located.
Animal Services will still adopt out healthy dogs during this time, although adopters are encouraged to keep their new pet separate from any others in the household for 7 to 10 days.
For more information about what to do if you find a dog, go to
https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services-group/animal-Services/lost-or-found-a-pet.
CIRD is caused by several different viruses, bacteria or fungal infections. Symptoms of CIRD include sneezing and coughing and usually resolve within 14 days. Cumberland County Animal Services is conducting tests on a sample of the sick dogs to ensure they are treated appropriately. Affected dogs are usually treated with oral antibiotics.
“CIRD is similar to the common cold in people. It is very contagious, so we need to do everything we can to reduce the number of large dogs in our kennels to help stop the spread of the illness,” said Animal Services Director Elaine Smith.
Any large dogs that are a public safety or public health issue, or are in a life-threatening situation, may still enter the shelter. This includes dogs that have bitten someone, have been documented as a danger to people or pets, or any dogs that are victims of animal neglect or abuse.
“We ask for the citizens of Cumberland County to be patient with us as we fight this outbreak.” Smith said. “Please consider adopting or fostering a large dog so that we can give those that are sick the space and time to recover.”
Those interested in adopting an animal can learn more on the Cumberland County Animal Services website,
https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services-group/animal-services, or visit in person at 4704 Corporation Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28306. The Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday.