Wythe County dog shelter temporarily closed

WYTHE COUNTY – Wythe County Dog Shelter will be closing to the public from 3 p.m. today until Wednesday, Aug. 22, due to a possible rabies case there.

Wythe County reports that the shelter took in a stray dog Monday, Aug. 13, that began to show signs of a health issue this past Friday. It was taken to a veterinarian, but died Saturday.

The veterinarian determined the dog could be a possible rabies case, so Wythe County Health Department recommended closing the shelter to the public as a health precaution. The dog is being tested for rabies and the results are expected Wednesday morning.

As a result of the temporary closing, dogs will not be taken in or adopted out until a cause of death has been determined. Anyone who has been to the shelter since Aug. 13 or who has concerns regarding the case is urged to contact Wythe County Animal Control at (276) 228-6003.

“Wythe County hopes taking these precautionary measures will prevent any further complications,” states a press release from the county.

Pet owners are reminded to have pets up-to-date on all shots, including rabies, to prevent spread of any diseases. For more information regarding rabies, visit www.cdc.gov/rabies/.