Henderson, Ky. – The Henderson Humane Society is set to end its lockdown and reopen its doors at noon on Thursday, Oct. 15, following a recent outbreak of canine parvovirus at the shelter.
Earlier this month, shelter officials placed the facility under lockdown after confirming cases of the highly contagious virus. Parvovirus can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs, especially puppies, and spreads quickly in crowded environments.
Response and Recovery
According to a press release from the humane society, the shelter intensified its cleaning protocols, increased monitoring of all animals, and implemented additional safety measures to contain the disease. After a period of observation, one dog that initially tested positive was retested by a veterinarian and returned a negative result, indicating recovery.
Unfortunately, two dogs succumbed to the illness during the outbreak. Shelter staff reported that no additional animals are currently showing symptoms of parvovirus.
Continued Precautions
Even as the lockdown lifts, the organization says it will maintain enhanced cleaning, monitoring, and safety procedures out of an abundance of caution. These steps include regular disinfection of kennels, strict quarantine of any new arrivals, and ongoing health checks for all resident animals.
“Our priority remains the health and safety of the animals in our care and the community members who visit us,” a shelter spokesperson said. “We are grateful for the support of local veterinarians and volunteers who helped us navigate this challenging situation.”
What Residents Need to Know
Members of the public who wish to adopt, volunteer, or donate are encouraged to visit the shelter after the reopening time. Staff will be available to answer questions about the shelter’s health protocols and to provide guidance on preventing parvovirus in pets.
Local veterinarians recommend that dog owners keep vaccinations up to date, avoid exposing puppies to high‑traffic areas, and practice good hygiene when handling pets. These measures help protect both animals and owners from contagious diseases.
The Henderson Humane Society thanks the community for its patience and support during the lockdown and looks forward to continuing its mission of rescuing and rehoming animals in a safe environment.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
