OMAHA, Neb. – The Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha has identified pneumovirus as the infection responsible for the recent emergency operations at the shelter. According to the shelter, pneumovirus is becoming an increasingly common cause of respiratory infections in shelter dogs, sometimes leading to complications such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, two dogs had to be euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms.
Initially, the Nebraska Humane Society suspected the infection to be a highly contagious bacterial one known as streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, or “strep zoo.” However, lab results revealed that the actual cause was pneumovirus, described as an aggressive form of kennel cough. The shelter stated that this virus does not respond to typical treatments and can potentially lead to pneumonia in some dogs, although it poses a minimal risk to humans or cats.
Dr. Amber Horn, the animal medical director at the Nebraska Humane Society, expressed concern over the situation, noting the severity of the pneumonia observed in the first affected patient. Emergency operations at the shelter will continue until further notice, with specific areas like the main lobby and cat/critter adoption zones deemed safe from contamination. Cat/critter adoption is set to resume on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
Pet owners who adopted dogs from the Nebraska Humane Society since June 2 are advised to monitor their pets for symptoms like respiratory illness, coughing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and depression. If any of these signs are present, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian promptly. Dr. Horn emphasized the importance of ensuring that dogs are up to date on their vaccines and avoiding dog parks during this period.
The shelter also urged veterinarians to report any suspected cases to the Nebraska Humane Society’s medical team. Additionally, individuals who come across lost or stray animals within the next few days are encouraged to contact the shelter for assistance. This ongoing situation highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting the well-being of animals in the community.