OLIVETTEÌý— St. Louis County reopened its animal shelter Monday after closing it in late April because of a viral outbreak.
No new cases of parvovirus have been detected since May 1, the county Department of Public Health said in a news release Monday.
The outbreak of parvovirus led the county to euthanize 19 dogs who tested positive in order to contain the spread of the disease, the county health department announced in early May. No other dogs have been euthanized because of parvovirus since, the department said Monday.
The animal shelter's veterinary medical director, Dr. Doug Pernikoff, quitÌýabout a week after the dogs were euthanized. In a brief phone interview, Pernikoff said he "can't really work there" and that he is "too old to fight." "I’m cool," he added, and then ended the phone call.
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Shelter staff fostered six animals during the closure. The county will open fostering to its volunteers, and soon will offer foster opportunities to the public.
St. Louis County regained operation of the animal shelter and adoption center, and during an open house talked of plans to offer fostering and improve the volunteer experience on Feb. 24, 2025. Video by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
"I'm too old to fight," said vet director Dr. Doug Pernikoff. His departure comes a week after an outbreak of a fatal canine virus.
The shelter remains closed as it works to contain the spread, and the shelter's veterinary team reports no new cases of parvo and is closely monitoring the eight positive cases.
"Every question we have asked has been answered honestly," said Dale Shuter, a longtime shelter volunteer who has previously criticized county operations.
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The shelter is closing to prevent a potential outbreak of parvovirus.
St. Louis County stopped paying for costs such asÌýmeals, team outings and dog training. The Animal Protective Association quit soon after.
