Philadelphia, June 1, 2009—The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) and the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) have reported isolated cases of severe canine illness resulting in six (6) deaths in their shelters, respectively located at 350 E. Erie Avenue and 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia.

Laboratory samples were immediately submitted to determine the cause of the illness. The initial test results should be available by Thursday, June 4th.

As a precautionary measure in accordance to standard veterinary practice, both shelters – including the Rutherford Memorial Animal Hospital located at the PSPCA – are currently under quarantine. We are taking every precaution to prevent possible spread of disease, minimize risk to the animals in our care, and break the cycle of transmission between exposed, infected, and new incoming dogs.