Cheshire Animal Centre Cancels Event Following Disease Outbreak at Rescue Facility

Bird Flu Outbreak Forces Animal Sanctuary to Halt Fundraising

Madeley, Cheshire – A local animal sanctuary, Footprints Animal Sanctuary, has been compelled to suspend upcoming public events after a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, was detected at a nearby poultry farm on October 13th. The outbreak has prompted swift action from authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

More then 10,000 birds have been culled in an attempt to eradicate the disease,according to reports. A strict 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone have been established around the affected farm to minimize further transmission.

impact on Footprints Animal Sanctuary

Footprints Animal Sanctuary,situated within the protection zone,was forced to cancel its highly anticipated Halloween open day,which was scheduled for sunday. This cancellation represents a significant financial setback for the organization, which relies heavily on these events to support its operations.

Volunteer Hayley Harford explained that the sanctuary, currently caring for approximately 190 rescued farm animals, has also likely had to postpone its crucial Christmas fundraising event.The sanctuary is taking preventative measures to safeguard its resident animals.

A resident goat at Footprints Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary is prioritizing the health and safety of its animals during the bird flu outbreak.

Volunteer Efforts and Financial Strain

Harford emphasized the sanctuary’s dependency on its dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom juggle full-time employment with their commitment to animal welfare.She stated that the volunteers understand the necessity of the precautions, prioritizing the safety of the animals above all else, although the situation is understandably disheartening.

To mitigate the financial losses from the canceled Halloween event – for which 80 percent of tickets had already been sold – Footprints Animal Sanctuary has launched an online raffle and a 2026 animal calendar to raise funds. The organization absorbed the cost of refunding ticket purchases,including transaction fees.

Did You Know? Bird flu viruses are naturally occurring in wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other birds. Learn more about avian influenza from the CDC.

Broader Implications of avian Influenza

the recent outbreak is part of a larger global trend of increasing avian influenza cases. According to the United States Department of agriculture (USDA), the U.S. has seen a significant number of HPAI detections in recent years, impacting both commercial and backyard poultry flocks. These outbreaks not only pose a threat to animal health but also have significant economic consequences for the poultry industry.

Year	Total HPAI Detections (U.S.)	Birds Affected (U.S.)
2022	763	58.2 million
2023 (as of Dec 11)	551	44.3 million
2024 (as of Feb 16)	31	2.68 million

Pro Tip: If you find dead wild birds,do not handle them.Report the finding to your local wildlife authorities.

Protecting Animals During Bird Flu Season

Animal sanctuaries and owners of backyard poultry flocks can take several steps to protect their birds from avian influenza. These include practicing strict biosecurity measures, such as limiting contact with wild birds, disinfecting equipment, and monitoring birds for signs of illness. Regular veterinary checkups are also crucial for early detection and prevention.

frequently Asked Questions About Bird Flu

• What is bird flu? Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that can affect various bird species.
• How does bird flu spread? The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
• can humans get bird flu? While rare, humans can contract bird flu through close contact with infected birds.
• What are the symptoms of bird flu in birds? Symptoms can include sudden death, respiratory distress, decreased egg production, and neurological signs.
• How can I protect my poultry from bird flu? Practice strict biosecurity, limit contact with wild birds, and report any suspicious illnesses.

What steps do you think local communities can take to support animal sanctuaries during challenging times like these? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What steps is Cheshire Animal Center taking to prevent the further spread of parvovirus within its facility?

Event Cancellation Details & Public Safety

Cheshire Animal Centre has announced the immediate cancellation of its annual “Paws in the Park” fundraising event, originally scheduled for October 26th, 2025. This tough decision follows the confirmed outbreak of a highly contagious canine parvovirus within the rescue facility. The centre prioritizes the health and wellbeing of all animals in its care, as well as the public, leading to this preventative measure.

The event, a popular fixture in the Cheshire community, typically attracts hundreds of animal lovers and their pets. Organizers state that all ticket holders will receive a full refund, and details regarding the refund process are available on the Cheshire Animal Centre website (https://www.cheshireanimalcentre.org.uk/).

Understanding Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Canine parvovirus, often called parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects puppies, but can impact dogs of any age. It attacks the intestinal tract,causing severe vomiting,diarrhea (often bloody),lethargy,and loss of appetite. Without prompt veterinary intervention, parvo can be fatal.

Here’s a breakdown of key facts about parvo:

* Transmission: Primarily through direct or indirect contact with infected feces. The virus is incredibly resilient and can survive in the environment for months.

* Symptoms: Include severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, and fever.

* Diagnosis: Veterinarians diagnose parvo through fecal testing.

* Treatment: Intensive supportive care, including IV fluids, anti-emetics, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, is crucial.

* Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog against parvo.

Current Situation at Cheshire Animal Centre

The outbreak is currently contained within a specific kennel block at the rescue facility. Cheshire Animal Centre has implemented strict quarantine protocols to prevent further spread. These measures include:

* Complete Isolation: Affected dogs are being isolated in a dedicated quarantine area, staffed by a specialized veterinary team.

* Enhanced Biosecurity: Rigorous disinfection procedures are being carried out throughout the entire facility, focusing on high-traffic areas. This includes using veterinary-grade disinfectants effective against parvovirus.

* Movement Restrictions: All animal movement within the centre has been restricted, and public access is limited to essential personnel only.

* Veterinary Monitoring: All dogs at the centre are undergoing daily health checks and monitoring for symptoms.

The centre is working closely with local veterinary authorities and animal health experts to manage the outbreak and ensure the safety of all animals. They are also utilizing translation services, like Google Translate, to communicate critically important updates to a wider audience, including those who may not be fluent in English.

Impact on Rescue Animals & Adoption Process

The parvo outbreak has temporarily suspended all animal adoptions. This is a precautionary measure to prevent the potential spread of the virus to new homes.Cheshire Animal Centre understands this is disappointing for potential adopters, but emphasizes that the health and safety of the animals remain their top priority.

* Adoption Holds: All approved adoptions are currently on hold until the quarantine period is lifted and the facility is declared safe.

* Foster Programme: The foster program is also temporarily paused to minimize the risk of transmission.

* Continued Care: Despite the disruption, the centre continues to provide essential care for all animals, including feeding, cleaning, and medical attention.

How You Can help Cheshire Animal Centre

Even though events are cancelled and adoptions are paused, there are still ways to support Cheshire Animal Centre during this challenging time:

* Financial Donations: Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and will help cover the costs of veterinary care, disinfection supplies, and ongoing operational expenses. Donations can be made through their website.

* Supply Donations: The centre is accepting donations of essential supplies, such as bleach, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and unopened dog food. check their website for a current list of needed items.

* Spread Awareness: Share facts about the outbreak and the centre’s needs on social media to help raise awareness and encourage support.

* Volunteer Opportunities (Future): While volunteering is currently limited, the centre will announce opportunities to assist with recovery efforts once the quarantine is lifted.

Preventing Parvo in Your Own Pets: A Practical Guide

Protecting your own canine companion from parvo is crucial. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Vaccination: Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated against parvo, starting as a puppy and receiving booster shots as recommended by your veterinarian.
2. Hygiene: Practise good hygiene, especially when handling dog feces. Always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up after your dog.
3. socialization: Be cautious when socializing your puppy before they are fully vaccinated. Avoid areas frequented by unvaccinated dogs.
4. Disinfection: Regularly disinfect surfaces that may come into contact with dog feces, such as kennels, crates, and outdoor areas.
5. Early Detection: Be vigilant for any signs of parvo and seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog might potentially be infected.