Miami-Dade County Animal Services is reporting an outbreak of canine distemper among its shelter population.
So far eighteen dogs have been infected with the highly contagious virus that could be deadly if left untreated. According to county animal service officials canine distemper is spread through airborne particles.
The county agency is now testing the rest of its dog population and will quarantine the dogs for two weeks.
During that time, all dogs wil be closely monitored and treated with antibiotics if needed.
Adoption services, neutering and spay services, stray pick up and rabies shots will be suspended during the quarantine period.
