Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is only taking stray pets on an emergency basis this week after it discovered a case of the contagious and deadly Strep zoo.
Why it matters: There is no vaccine to prevent Strep zoo and it’s harder to treat than other common upper respiratory infections in animals, per the county.
Driving the news: A 3-year-old dog died in its kennel at the county’s west shelter last week and a postmortem test found it had the disease.
- Staff is currently deep cleaning all kennel wings where the dog was housed.
- All dogs at the west shelter will receive preventive antibiotics, which provide good protection from the disease, chief animal medical officer Samantha Thurman said in a statement.
State of play: The county will only accept dogs that pose a safety issue until cleaning is complete. It hopes to resume normal operations by Friday.
- Maricopa County is urging people who find stray dogs to keep them in their homes or find another place for them in the meantime.
Zoom in: People who have adopted dogs from the west shelter since March 9 are encouraged to monitor their pets’ behaviors and see a vet if they appear ill. The county will provide antibiotics if necessary.
- The shelter will continue adopting out dogs who have received antibiotics.
