Walker County has quarantined its animal shelter until Feb. 6, according to Walker County coordinator David Ashburn.

“Unfortunately we discovered parvo(virus) had infected an animal at the shelter,” Ashburn said. “Because of this discovery, we called the state department of agriculture to work with us as we take the necessary steps to ensure that the shelter is free from infection.”

This is the second time in six months the shelter has been closed due to parvovirus. The shelter was closed for two weeks in early July. At that time, the shelter launched the quarantine after residents notified the shelter that an animal they had recently adopted from the shelter had died. The shelter underwent a cleaning.

According to Ashburn, closing the shelter this time, through Feb. 6, will allow the infection to manifest itself if there are any other infected dogs and will provide time for a thorough cleaning of the facility.

“We want to take every precaution to make sure nothing else is infected,” Ashburn said.

Parovirus is a disease that is primarily known for affecting dogs. The disease is highly contagious for other dogs in contact with the virus. It presents in two usual manifestations, a cardiac and intestinal form. Treatment commonly involves veterinary hospitalization. Canine parvovirus will not infect humans.

Walker County will continue to collect dogs that are a danger to the public, Ashburn said.

Any animals collected during the quarantine will be held in a temporary facility.