The Indianapolis Animal Shelter will temporarily change its intake policies after two dogs tested positive for distemper, Department of Public Safety officials said Thursday.
In an off-camera interview with media, Indianapolis Animal Care and Control said 104 dogs had been isolated and vaccinated this week following a positive test for distemper in two dogs.
Indpls. Animal Care & Control say two confirmed cases of canine distemper. ACC putting out plans to prevent outbreak. @rtv6
— chris proffitt (@ChrisProffitt) September 24, 2015
Both distemper-positive dogs were euthanized, as well as a third dog suspected of having contracted the disease.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious airborne virus that affects dogs' respiratory tracts, spinal cords and brains, often resulting in high fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
The disease is fatal in about 50 percent of cases.
This is the second major quarantine effort at IACC in just over a year.
MORE | IACC: 22 cats have died from virus
In October 2014, 22 cats died or were euthanized following an outbreak of the feline panleukopenia virus at the shelter. More than 140 cats were saved after being moved to other rescue organizations' shelters.
In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, shelter officials announced Thursday they would be temporarily waiving the adoption fee for dogs. IACC is also temporarily requesting the public not bring owner-surrendered dogs to the shelter.
