The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter has resumed its adoption and rescue operations after temporarily closing due to an outbreak of distemper within the shelter.
The shelter at 3140 Investigator Dornell Cousette St. announced its re-opening in a Facebook post on Monday.
The message read, in part,
"After a challenging period, we are pleased to report that all remaining dogs have tested negative for distemper. Throughout this process, a total of 358 tests were analyzed, with 58 dogs testing positive. Sadly, 56 of these dogs had to be euthanized due to the severity of their condition," the statement read.
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The shelter said two dogs with low viral levels ― who were already in foster homes ― were adopted by their foster families and have been doing well.
The shelter said it will continue to monitor incoming dogs for illnesses.
"As we move forward, we remain committed to the health and safety of all our animals. For the next few months, we will continue to closely monitor incoming dogs for any signs of illness and will immediately test any dog exhibiting symptoms." the statement continued.
On June 22, the shelter announced it was halting all adoption and rescue operations for at least two weeks after confirmed cases of distemper were diagnosed within the dogs housed at the shelter. Distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease.
The shelter sought help from the public to help cover the cost of testing, which was about $15,000.
The shelter said the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, based in Utah, was providing consultation at the time, along with an on-site team member to help test each dog for exposure to the virus.
On June 29, the shelter annouced that it would need to extend its closure to the public in order to eradicate the virus.
"After meeting with community representatives from Northport, City of Tuscaloosa, and the County Commission next week, we will be able to provide a more reasonable date to reopen the shelter," the Facebook post stated. " As this is an evolving situation, we will extend the date we must be closed to the general public."
Now, the shelter is back open for business and will resume full operations.
"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our community for your unwavering support during this difficult time. Your compassion and understanding have been invaluable to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the shelter," the statement read.
"Thank you for standing by us and helping us continue our mission to care for the animals in our community," the statement continued.
To learn more about donating or volunteering at the shelter, go to www.metroanimalshelter.org .
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter reopens after canine distemper outbreak
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