Unknown illness closes two Philadelphia shelters; canine influenza suspected

Philadelphia

-- Isolated cases of a severe canine illness resulting in six deaths closed two shelters and a hospital run by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) yesterday.

The PSPCA reported the temporary closures June 1, adding that samples taken from the sick dogs are being examined to isolate the cause of the illnesses. Initial results are expected this week, and canine influenza is suspected, shelter officials say.

The first death occurred on May 27. Two dogs died unassisted while another four were euthanized, according to a PSPCA spokesperson. No other signs of illness have been observed in the other animals housed at the quarantined shelters.

The shelters were closed as a standard precautionary measure, officials say. PSPCA's Rutherford Memorial Animal Hospital was also quarantined because it is located next to one of the shelters that reported a case.