Henderson, Nev. – (February 1, 2024) The City of Henderson Animal Care and Control is modifying operations in response to a recent canine Pneumovirus case in a shelter dog. 

Pneumovirus is a contagious respiratory virus with symptoms including coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Pneumovirus can progress to pneumonia and difficulty breathing. 

This is the first confirmed case of the virus at the Henderson Animal Shelter. “Canine Pneumovirus is one of many contagious diseases in the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) group,” said Dr. Tessa Kronbetter, Veterinarian at Henderson Animal Shelter. “Our primary focus is identifying and treating potential cases while reducing exposure to other animals.” 

Several other dogs are suspected to have the virus as well, based on symptoms. There is no vaccine for the virus currently. The virus is not contagious to humans or cats.

In an effort to isolate the exposed population of dogs, while minimizing the risk of healthy dogs being exposed, Animal Care and Control is temporarily ceasing intake of relinquished pets, instead recommending owners explore other options, including rehoming sites, rescue groups and friends and family for assistance. Dog adoptions are also temporarily closed. 

Cat and critter adoptions are still open to the public. “This is a big move for us, and not one that we take lightly,” said Danielle Harney, Animal Control Administrator. “We feel this change to operations is necessary to preserve the health of the more than 75 dogs we have here currently and prevent further spread of the virus. We need to be transparent, and we hope our community can empathize with the difficult position we’re in. The diseases and viruses we observe here at the shelter are a snapshot of what’s occurring in the community, so if we are seeing Pneumovirus that means it’s also existing outside of our facility. We’d like to warn pet owners to be mindful of these symptoms and to speak with their veterinarian should their dog appear sick.”