The quarantine established by officials at the Vicksburg animal shelter because of kennel cough has been lifted.

“We lifted the quarantine last week,” said Kacie Lindsey, animal control supervisor.

Officials with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said the dog park at the Vicksburg Municipal Airport on U.S. 61 South, which was also closed during the quarantine, has reopened.

The shelter was closed May 14 after an outbreak of kennel cough was discovered.

According to the American Kennel Club, kennel cough is a “highly contagious respiratory disease.” Symptoms are similar to a cold in humans — coughing, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite and a low fever.

Dogs commonly contract kennel cough, the AKC said, at places where large amounts of dogs gather, such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups and dog shows.

Dogs can spread it to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

The AKC said kennel cough is highly treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age.

During the quarantine, the shelter did not accept animals or do any adoptions.

Linsey said none of the animals at the city shelter were lost because of the disease.

“All of them were treated and are doing fine,” she said.