Maryland Animal Shelter Closed Due To Contagious Canine Influenza Outbreak

A busy animal shelter in Maryland will be temporarily closed due to an outbreak of dog flu, officials say.

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center issued an alert on Thursday afternoon advising that it will be closed to the public until further notice due to a contagious canine influenza outbreak.

"Effective immediately: the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is closed to the public due to an outbreak of Canine Influenza," the agency posted on its website. "Do not bring stray animals to the center at this time."

The shelter is located in the 7300 block of Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dog flu "is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs.

The Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center is temporarily closing.

"These are called 'canine influenza viruses.'"

No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported.

More information is expected to be released.

This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.

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