SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The doors at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center slammed shut earlier in July due to an outbreak of parvovirus and panleukopenia. We’re learning the clinic is officially free of those diseases and back open to the public. Western Mass News stopped by TJO to hear about the process fighting that outbreak and their first event back open.

Just over two weeks ago, TJO temporarily closed as two highly contagious diseases ran rampant through the clinic’s dog and cat population. Since mid-April, parvovirus has hit at least eight dogs and led to the death of one, as panleukopenia sickened several cats — an outbreak that grew worse each week. After around the clock care from TJO staff and months of discouraging updates some good news finally reached the clinic.

“We are really happy to say that we are clear of any animals with parvovirus or panleukopenia. So, we are reopening. Today’s our first day back open with normal hours,” Executive Director for TJO Heather Cahillane said the process was extremely difficult — especially when testing the animals.

One dog in specific looked healthy on every exam he was given only to fall ill down the road, “it was very intense, I’ll say, on the team, making sure that cleaning procedures were very, you know, cautious. And making sure disease didn’t spread. It’s stressful because we love these animals. We want to make sure everyone’s okay,” Cahillane said.

Now that that outbreak is over, TJO is hosting an adoption event this weekend, so you could potentially walk out with someone like this little guy. This event is their first one since the reopening, running through the end of the day Saturday.

There are just over a dozen pets ready to be adopted — but be aware, you will need to make an appointment if you want to stop by. Best of all, you may even be walking out with a survivor, “Two of the dogs in the adoption event today are animals who came in, had parvovirus, and survived. So, Butterscotch and Jerry, definitely check them out,” Cahillane said.

For more information on who’s up for adoption, you can visit TJO’s website here.

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