MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is asking people not to drop off dogs at shelters unless it is an emergency following an outbreak of a rare disease at two shelters.
A three-year-old dog was found dead in its kennel at the West shelter on March 18 and after conducting a PCR test, MCACC was able to determine the dog tested positive for Strep zoo.
Strep zoo is a concern at animal shelters because there is no vaccine to prevent it, according to a news release from MCACC. It also does not respond to treatments that are commonly used to treat upper respiratory infections typically found in shelters.
MCACC hoped to resume normal operations on March 29, but another case of Strep zoo was found at the East shelter, prompting the shelter to request people only drop off dogs if it is an emergency, such as aggressive behavior, bite cases or other safety issues.
“Strep zoo requires a thorough cleaning process to eradicate, and we have already vigorously cleaned the areas that the positive dog was around at our West shelter,” Dr. Samantha Thurman, MCACC’s chief animal medical officer, said in a news release. “Our staff worked day and night this past week to make this happen at our West Shelter, and they will be just as dedicated when addressing the East shelter. ACC has already started shifting staff and recruiting volunteers to begin the cleaning process there today.”
The dog that tested positive at the East shelter was treated with antibiotics and is doing well, MCACC said. As part of the outbreak, MCACC is treating all the dogs in their care with antibiotics that are effective against Strep zoo as a preventative measure. Once they are on this preventative medication, they are well-protected from the illness, MCACC said.
If you do find a stray dog, head to MCACC's "Lost & Found" webpage for guidance on how to help find the owner without bringing the dog to the shelter.
“This has been a demanding time for ACC employees,” Communications Supervisor Kim Powell said in a press release. “These recent events have required all hands to be on deck, and it is truly inspiring to see all our staff, volunteers, and community work together to help our dogs. The ACC staff, myself included, has already been and will continue to work hard cleaning and caring for our dogs until there are no signs of Strep zoo in our shelters.”
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