The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has partially lifted an isolation order that was issued to Sunny Heights Day Care Centre over a rise in leptospirosis cases.
This means the centre may now accept new dogs, if it ensures that the new dogs are kept separate from the dogs already there.
AVA issued the order on July 13 after 12 cases of the bacterial disease were associated with the centre then.
Between Jan 1 and Aug 1, 2016, AVA was notified of 27 suspected cases of leptospirosis in dogs. Among these, 15 cases were associated with Sunny Heights Day Care Centre, the AVA said in a press release on Wednesday (Aug 3).
The isolation order meant that no dogs were allowed to enter or leave the centre without AVA’s approval.
The partial lifting of the isolation order means that new dogs will be kept separate from resident dogs at the centre in clearly demarcated areas, said AVA.
It added that the centre has completed a thorough cleaning and disinfection of its premises, including the swimming pool.
Test results from environmental samples taken by AVA have turned up negative, while samples from the dogs at the centre are still being tested.
AVA wil continue monitoring the situation at Sunny Heights Day Care Centre before it decides on lifting the isolation order completely.
xiuhuil@sph.com.sg
See also:
Dogs that died had symptoms of the disease, say owners
Dog day care centre associated with 12 cases of disease transmittable to humans
