The Fairfield Animal Shelter is closed after four confirmed cases of canine parvovirus were found in dogs housed at the shelter, according to the town.
Animal control said the outbreak is linked to a parvovirus outbreak in neighboring Bridgeport, which has closed its animal shelter through Aug. 20. The initial case was found last Monday in a dog being housed for Bridgeport.
Crews are sanitizing the shelter in Fairfield and expect it to reopen 14 days after the last case is diagnosed, which should be around Aug. 25, according to the city.
Easton Animal Control has handled all impounds for Fairfield since the outbreak. Animals found roaming will be sheltered in neighboring municipalities.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that is passed on through dog feces and can cause life-threatening illness in dogs.
The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from dog to dog and from shelter to shelter by shoes, clothing, dog dishes and other items in contact with the virus.
The Animal Control Department will still handle all complaints as usual during the shutdown.
