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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Andrew Brown

Canberra pound closed after dogs contract contagious virus

A highly contagious virus in dogs has forced the closure of the Domestic Animal Services centre in Symonston.

The centre is expected to be closed for several days, after two dogs contracted coronavirus at the facility.

The virus is a highly contagious intestinal disease, which can cause respiratory issues, diarrhea and vomiting.

It is not known at this stage how the dogs became infected with the virus.

Domestic Animal Services say dogs at the facility are being treated for the virus and have said it cannot be transmitted to humans.

"DAS staff are following stringent operating procedures," a spokeswoman said.

"This includes a full scrub down of the facility, keeping all dogs separated, the removal of non-essential items from the kennels and repeat disinfection."

Staff at the facility tracking down lost or roaming dogs have said they would try and reunite dogs with their owners without taking them to the Symonston compound.

Dogs taken to the facility will be impounded for up to 10 days.

"The risk of the virus is always present in the ACT," the spokeswoman said.

"If someone suspects their dog may have the virus, they should call or attend their local vet."

The DAS facility will be closed for several days after dogs contracted the infectious coronavirus. File picture: Kate Callas
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