Animal shelter forced to close due to virus

TULSA — City of Tulsa Animal Welfare leaders announced Wednesday that it will be closed indefinitely while it works to treat animals for distemper and prevent further spread.

Shelter staff confirmed several recent cases of the potentially deadly virus.

The virus is found in bodily secretions and spread via inhalation.

The virus can move to the lymph nodes and then to the blood, spreading to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and central nervous systems.

Dogs adopted from TAW have been vaccinated for the virus, but the vaccine is not immediately effective.

Adopters should follow up with their personal veterinarian to receive any necessary boosters.

The shelter will continue with emergency animal control and bite case investigations.

©2021 Cox Media Group