Приют для животных закрыт из-за вспышки чумки

TJO closes temporarily amid parvovirus outbreak SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- At least eight dogs have been diagnosed with canine parvovirus and one has been euthanized, prompting the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center to close to the public until further notice. The shelter halted adoptions and some other operations beginning Friday, July 3 after a dog that appeared healthy began showing symptoms that prompted testing and raised concerns about exposure across the facility’s population. TJO Executive Director Heather Cahillane said positive parvo cases began appearing in mid-April. Cases come from Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke - the three cities TJO serves. “We’ve been lucky that, for some of the cases, we were catching it as they were walking in the door. We were able to isolate those animals and protect the entire population,” she explained. In addition to the canine cases, a few cats at the shelter have been diagnosed with feline panleukopenia. Canine parvovirus attacks a dog’s intestinal lining and white blood cells; symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Feline panleukopenia is the cat equivalent of parvovirus, with nearly identical symptoms. Most of the parvovirus cases at TJO have been mild. One dog, however, became ill enough to require euthanasia. “We have seen that our adult dogs who are coming in and getting sick are recovering and doing well, so it’s not always deadly, but it can be,” Cahillane said. Signs posted on the shelter’s front doors read “Closed due to a medical emergency.” Staff are working through an intensive cleaning schedule while continuing to care for the animals. “Trying to find that fine line of making sure everyone is safe, but also finding a new home quickly, it’s a really hard decision, but we think this is the right decision to make sure that the most animals are safe,” Cahillane said. Cahillane noted that she hopes the shelter will reopen as soon as the middle of next week. Donations of food and cleaning supplies may be dropped off at the facility’s front door. Pet owners are urged to get their dogs and cats vaccinated. TJO will announce upcoming vaccine clinics on its Facebook page. Anyone needing to pick up an animal from the shelter can call 413-781-1484, extension 2. Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.