Stephanie Bothwell, SICSA’s director of operations, said the dogs didn’t develop visible lesions until after they had been adopted, but the infection spread to dogs and cats in the shelter, leading to the facility’s closure.
“This happens in shelters from time to time,” Bothwell said. “We had it about a year ago, but it stayed mostly contained to one dog. ... Ringworm can survive on inanimate objects, like a leash or collar and can transfer easily from one dog to another, and that’s exactly what happened in this case.”
Bothwell, sitting in a freshly steam-cleaned office Friday, said the entire facility is being thoroughly cleaned. All of its animals are being tested and treated with lime sulfur dips, and she added it will take at least 12 days to get full results. SICSA hopes to reopen on Oct. 16.
“We did not want people to come in to see our animals and take it home with them,” Bothwell said. “We also don’t want people to adopt unhealthy animals.”
Ringworm is usually only an annoyance, but it can be contagious between animals and humans. Infected animals usually show a scaly, crusty lesion, although Bothwell said cats can be carriers without showing symptoms. Humans show a red, ring-shaped lesion.
Anyone who recently visited SICSA and has questions can call (937) 294-6505.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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