Memphis, TN – A contagious viral outbreak at the Memphis Animal Services facility prompted staff to euthanize all dogs who were exposed. Nearly 100 dogs were put down after Canine Distemper broke out in three of the shelter’s 11 kennel rooms.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, Fredrica Saltzman Endowed Professorship Chair in Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, emphasized the challenges of distemper outbreaks in shelters:

“Canine distemper is the most devastating and deadly disease outbreak a shelter can face, and no shelter is immune. Shelters in the Southeast, where the virus is most prevalent, are particularly vulnerable—especially municipal shelters that intake stray dogs daily, increasing the risk of exposure. The most effective strategy for controlling an outbreak includes identifying and separating infected dogs, quarantining those exposed, and limiting new intakes. While municipal shelters cannot completely stop admissions, reducing intake to only urgent cases—such as sick or injured strays, rabies quarantine cases, and dogs posing a public safety risk—can help contain the virus. Memphis Animal Services has implemented this proven strategy to save as many dogs as possible and prevent further spread of the disease.”

As reported by WREG News, the deadly virus started after a litter of puppies was brought to the facility on December 31.

Dr. Robert Parker, DVM, the MAS veterinarian, addressed the difficult decisions that must be made during an outbreak, stating, “There is no cure for distemper, and by the time symptoms appear, it may already be too late. In a shelter environment, we have to make heartbreaking decisions and do everything we can to stop the spread. This is devastating for our staff, but we know it is necessary to protect the greater population and save the most lives in the long run.”

In a Wednesday social media announcement, the shelter said that cat adoptions have resumed:

Starting today, cat adoptions & intake are back, and our lobby is open for cat adopters! Dog rescues, fosters, and owner reclaims are available by appointment.
⏰ Doors open at 1 PM today!
To schedule an appointment for a dog, email MAS@memphistn.gov or call 901-636-1416.

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