The Humane Society of Harford County has temporarily paused all dog adoptions and intakes after four dogs tested positive for canine parvovirus.

The decision was made to protect its current dog population, conduct testing and treat any affected dogs and isolate the illness to mitigate exposure to new dogs, according to HSHC.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that is particularly prevalent in unvaccinated puppies and dogs that are immunocompromised, according to HSHC. Dogs are exposed through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces or indirectly by contaminated objects such as bedding, bowls, leashes and toys.

HSHC’s medical team is acting swiftly and following protocols with the hope that it can  resume dog adoptions and intakes in a week.

Canine parvovirus does not affect other species, so the shelter will remain open to adoptions and surrenders of cats, critters and barnyard animals, according to HSHC. It also does not affect humans.

Erin Long, marketing coordinator at HSHC, said the humane society has shut down public access to its dog kennels, has its staff wearing personal protective equipment, is testing its animals and sanitizing its facilities to contain the outbreak.

The outbreak comes after the humane society returned to a sense of normalcy following a spike in canine admissions that cost the shelter nearly $100,000 in non-budgeted expenses, according to The Baltimore Sun.

“With any kind of infectious disease in a sheltered environment, animals are in close contact and we’re taking animals in from all parts of the county, so it does happen, unfortunately, from time to time,” she said. “Being smart about things and isolating the animals has proven to be the most effective route to take.”

“We are asking for the public’s understanding as we take these necessary precautions and focus on containing the illness,” Fernando Diaz, HSHC director of operations, said in a news release. “We know it’s not ideal, but we’re asking pet owners to delay surrendering their dogs for at least a week. We’re also advising our community that if they find a dog, and if it’s possible, the best thing to do is to shelter the dog at home and notify us.”

The outbreak started a couple of weeks ago when the humane society took in a puppy that tested positive for parvovirus, according to HSHC. The puppy was placed in quarantine where it received supportive care. Several more dogs were taken in and the most recent one tested positive along with another dog that was in close contact with it.

Dogs will usually show symptoms four to six days after being exposed, however the appearance of symptoms can range from three days to two weeks, according to HSHC. Symptoms include dehydration, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting.

HSHC will update its social media and website with information on the situation, including when dog adoptions and intakes will resume.

For more information, visit harfordshelter.org.

Have a news tip? Contact Allana Haynes at ahaynes@baltsun.com or 240-756-5668.