The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter has announced its official reopening after an upper-respiratory infection and bout of canine distemper forced the shelter to temporarily close.

Shelter employee Mendi Estes said 40 dogs had to be euthanized by the shelter after a stray infected with canine distemper was exposed to other dogs. The highly contagious disease spread quickly, and veterinarian Dr. Robert Pitman requested help from experts at Auburn University in handling the situation.

Meanwhile, an upper respiratory infection unrelated to the virus swept through the cat population. Estes said 20 cats died or were euthanized as a result of the “very severe” disease, leaving zero in the facility.

“It wasn’t the same sickness, but we were battling that as well,” Estes said.

Ten dogs survived the distemper outbreak, and she said a few more strays have been brought to the shelter since they reopened. After consulting with Auburn University and reviewing intake policies, Estes said Pitman and the shelter have made improvements to the policies in the hopes of avoiding future outbreaks.

“We have a difference entrance now for any animal that comes in,” Estes said. “They will no longer come through the front door.”

New animals will be taken to a special holding area, which will serve as a quarantine for any animal with a missing or incomplete vaccination history. After the animal receives vaccinations and stays in quarantine long enough to build an immunity, they will be moved to one more area for about a week before joining the rest of the adoptable animals.

Beyond the shelter, Estes said the public can help by making sure their pets are vaccinated and spayed or neutered. These steps serve to reduce the general number of strays while also making sure animals are less likely to become infected or spread disease if they are dropped off at the shelter.