Section of Macon-Bibb Animal Shelter Quarantined after Parvo Outbreak

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A section of the Macon – Bibb Animal Welfare is quarantined after a parvo outbreak.

They were alerted to the problem after a dog adopted by a community activist died just days after coming home.

Community activist Irving Martinez picked up the last dog.

Upset and outraged, Macon community activist Irving Martinez held a news conference on Tuesday about the state of the Macon – Bibb Animal Shelter.

Parvo is a contagious airborne virus among young dogs. They can die if they’re not treated.

Animal Welfare Director Sarah Tenon says in the 13 days the dog was at shelter it showed no signs of the virus.

“We do watch for signs, but when each puppy gets to the shelter we will start it on a vaccine protocol and we will start the worming process for it,” Tenon said.

She says because of funding issues, staff can’t check all dogs for parvo.

The area where Martinez’s puppy was has been quarantined. Dogs that were contaminated were euthanized. Others were moved to the other side of the building.

“I went through a very traumatic experience dealing with a small pup dying in my house,” Martinez said.

Martinez claims Tenon knew about the parvo outbreak and didn’t tell her staff.

At the news conference, Macon officials including Bibb Commissioner Joe Allen stood behind Martinez and say all of the employees should have known.

“If an employee knows of a parvo outbreak at the shelter they should have notified any employee at the shelter at that time she did not do this,” Allen said. “Every one of the county commissioners should be held responsible. We do the hiring. We should do a follow up on all employees.”