The Merced County Animal Shelter has enacted a temporary partial closure following a confirmed outbreak of canine distemper virus, officials announced, prompting local agencies to adjust animal care protocols.
The closure at the shelter, located at 2150 Shuttle Drive in Atwater, was implemented to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease that affects dogs and some wildlife, such as raccoons and skunks. Distemper can spread rapidly in shelter environments, even under strict health protocols and vaccination efforts.
Merced County Sheriff’s Animal Services Bureau cited animal welfare as the primary reason for the shutdown, noting that infected animals will be quarantined and treated, and the facility will undergo deep sanitation measures. While adoptions and rescue pulls will continue from non-quarantined areas, the public is urged not to bring animals to the shelter unless absolutely necessary.
Field operations for animal control remain active and will respond to stray pick-ups and public safety incidents.
The closure has direct implications for law enforcement agencies like the Gustine Police Department, which frequently utilizes the county facility for sheltering strays. In response, the department has turned to a secondary shelter on the outskirts of Gustine. That site, which had previously served as a temporary holding area, has recently been refreshed with repairs and aesthetic upgrades, including the installation of a new shade shelter. The improvements come at a crucial time, allowing the space to function as a viable alternative for housing lost or stray animals until transfers to the county facility can resume.
Officials remind residents to monitor pets for symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, fever, or neurological issues, and to keep vaccinations current—particularly for the DHPP series that protects against distemper.
Updates will be shared via Merced County Animal Services’ website and social media platforms.
For questions or animal-related concerns, residents can contact Merced County Animal Services at (209) 385-7436 or by email at animalservices@countyofmerced.com.
