The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.

Shelter officials said all eight puppies in the litter succumbed to the virus.

Canine distemper virus, also known as CDV, is an extremely contagious airborne virus that can spread quickly among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate and quarantine exposed animals, officials said a complete shutdown is necessary.

The shelter vaccinates all animals upon intake and works to limit cross-contamination, but officials said the situation highlights the challenges faced by open-intake shelters when animals arrive without age-appropriate vaccinations.

Bailey Clements, Director of Animal Services, said the decision to close was not made lightly.

“Our priority remains protecting the health and safety of the animals in our care and the broader community,” Clements said.

During the closure, shelter staff will conduct a deep cleaning of equipment throughout the facility, along with every entry and exit point.

Clements said the shelter will continue working to provide assistance and resources where possible while also focusing on public education about responsible pet ownership and preventative veterinary care.

The positive canine distemper test has been reported to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is assisting the shelter.