Ringworm Outbreak Temporarily Shuts Town Animal Shelter

A Brookhaven town official confirmed Wednesday that the Brookhaven Animal Shelter has been temporarily closed to new adoptions and resident drop-offs due to an outbreak of ringworm among the shelter's canine population.

The town is still accepting stray animals, as required by law. Additionally, residents searching for a lost pet will be granted limited access for identification purposes.

"The outbreak of ringworm is not unique to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter," said Jack Krieger, the town's public information officer. "It is occurring now in many public and private shelters across the country. The town is proceeding with an abundance of caution by keeping the animal shelter closed to the public until it is determined by veterinary medical professionals that it is safe to reopen."

According to peteducation.com ringworm is caused by a fungus, which sheds spores that can live up to 18 months in the environment and thrive on heat and humidity. It is transmissable from dogs to humans.

The animal shelter is a no-kill shelter, and Krieger said no dogs have been euthanized due to the outbreak.

A Facebook page popped up on Wednesday to encourage residents to volunteer at the shelter. The page also suggested employees of the shelter had staged a walk-out, leaving the shelter understaffed.

In response to a possible labor dispute at the shelter, Krieger said: "Volunteers and management staff are caring for the animals and any outstanding issues between labor and management as a result of today's events will be addressed."

Dori Scofield, director of the town shelter, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.