NW Indiana animal shelter to reopen after canine flu outbreak

MUNSTER, Ind. (WLS) -- The Humane Society Calumet Area Adoption and Intake Center in Munster, Ind., will reopen May 7 after closing in mid-March due to an outbreak of canine flu at the facility.

Almost 100 dogs became sick with the respiratory virus which is highly contagious and potentially serious. Symptoms can include a deep cough that sounds like a goose's honk along with vomiting, a runny nose and lethargy.

Several cats also became ill with the virus, which marks the first time a cat had tested positive for the virus in the U.S.

To mark the reopening, the shelter will hold an event at its facility, located at 421 45th Ave., Munster, Ind., from noon to 5 p.m. May 7. Adoption fees will be waived for the dogs who battled the flu. A scavenger hunt, raffle and treats will also be featured.

The shelter reopens after tests results showed last week that all the dogs and cats that were infected were negative, shelter officials said.

For more information, visit www.hscalumet.org.