170 Animals Euthanized After Shelter Outbreak

HAMMOND, La. -- A viral outbreak that spread through a Southeast Louisiana animal shelter has led to the deaths of more than 170 animals, officials said.

Animal control officials have shut down the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Shelter in Hammond in an effort to prevent any further spread of the canine coronavirus.

The disease infected dozens of dogs and cats with devastating consequences.

Many became violently ill as the virus passed from animal to animal.

Workers euthanized many of the infected animals.

At least one shelter employee and several animal rescue volunteers are questioning the explanation.

They say the euthanizations were carried out because shelter managers believed they had too many animals to take care of, and not because of any illness.

A massive cleaning effort is now underway at the facility, which typically takes in 5,000 or more homeless animals each year.

No new animals are being accepted during that cleanup process, which will last several days.

Canine coronavirus primarily affects the intestinal tract of dogs.

Signs may include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It is not always fatal.

Once infected, a dog becomes a "carrier" for several weeks, even after recovery.

The virus can then live in the environment for several months.

Cleaning to eliminate the virus often uses a chlorine bleach mixture.