Twin Falls Animal Shelter temporarily closes to deal with outbreak

The Twin Falls Animal Shelter will be temporarily closed to deal with an outbreak of an upper respiratory infectious disease.

The shelter will be closed to the public on Monday through Wednesday.

Since February, there have been intermittent cases of congestion and upper respiratory infections.

Twelve animals were confirmed sick and six of those have died.

The closure will allow staff to focus on specialized sanitation procedures.

Respiratory infections are common in the colder months, and though just two percent of the shelter’s animals have gotten sick it hasn't been this bad in 20 years according to executive director Debbie Blackwood.

During the closure, owners will not be able to surrender animals, but strays will be accepted.

The best way to protect pets from getting sick is to properly vaccinate.