Birmingham Humane Society Halts Adoptions in Pell City Over Distemper Outbreak

Temporary Suspension of Dog Adoptions Due to Distemper Outbreak

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) has temporarily halted all dog adoptions, rescue transfers, and transport operations from the Pell City Animal Care and Control (PCACC) facility. This decision comes after a confirmed case of canine distemper was identified in Lincoln, St. Clair County. The virus is highly contagious and can be fatal, prompting immediate action to prevent further spread.

This development follows a recent outbreak of distemper in Calhoun County, where over 80 dogs were humanely euthanized last week. The current case in St. Clair County involved a dog found running at large in Lincoln. The animal was part of a group of three that had been seen traveling together. Two of the dogs were taken to the PCACC facility, while the third escaped but was later captured and tested positive for the virus on July 25.

Upon arrival at the facility, staff noticed concerning symptoms in the two dogs and immediately quarantined them. These animals were not allowed to interact with the shelter population and were eventually humanely euthanized. Although no current shelter dogs are showing symptoms, the positive result in the third dog indicates a potential exposure to the virus.

In response, GBHS has followed recommendations from Dr. Russell Johnson, DVM, the organization’s Chief Medical Officer. A random sampling of the current dog population at the facility is being tested, with results expected by Friday. Stephanie Salvago of GBHS stated that the temporary suspension of adoptions is likely to last only a week, allowing time for testing.

“The most likely source of transmission is contact with wildlife—particularly raccoons and other infected dogs,” said Johnson. “We urge residents to take this moment seriously and protect their pets and neighbors.”

Salvago emphasized the importance of keeping pets safe by avoiding contact with stray dogs. “If you’re walking your dog and you see a stray, get your dog away from it because you don’t know if that dog has been vaccinated,” she said. “Distemper spreads through unvaccinated pets and wildlife.”

She also reminded pet owners to ensure their animals receive regular boosters and vaccinations. While distemper cannot be transmitted to humans, Salvago advised that anyone bitten by a dog should seek medical attention. If a dog is up to date on its vaccinations, it has a better chance of protection.

GBHS officials encourage pet owners to be proactive by keeping their animals indoors and avoiding public areas where unvaccinated pets may be present. “Bring food and water bowls inside at night,” said Salvago. “Don’t leave them outside because raccoons and coyotes will come up and eat that food, and they can be carriers.”

Additionally, Salvago stressed the importance of never feeding wildlife, regardless of how cute they may seem. “It’s best to avoid any interaction with wild animals,” she said.

Until the test results are available, the following measures are in place:

• All dog adoptions, rescue transfers, and out-of-state transports from PCACC are temporarily paused
• Cat adoptions and all other GBHS facilities and services remain fully operational

“We are not seeing signs of illness in our shelter dogs, but we are taking this very seriously,” said Allison Black Cornelius, CEO of GBHS. “This community loves its animals. We want to prevent the spread of this deadly virus and are putting health and safety first.”

Salvago added that GBHS is working to schedule a vaccine clinic for the Pell City and St. Clair County area to help protect local pets.