There is currently a Streptococcus zooepidemicus outbreak at a shelter in Phoenix, AZ. Our veterinary practice is in Phoenix, so we have been on high alert for dogs with potential exposure and respiratory symptoms.
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Symptoms of “Strep Zoo” include:
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This bacterium causes severe respiratory disease and can lead to fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia. Four dogs have died, and over 30 are showing symptoms at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
The facility is doing everything it can to treat and quarantine dogs, while offering free adoptions for healthy dogs. It is not taking in any dogs currently, and this particular facility typically takes in over 100 per day.
This has put a strain on the shelter community here in Phoenix. This is a very important cause of respiratory disease outbreaks to be aware of, especially among shelter dogs.
Instead of a wait and see approach as we sometimes do in mild cases of kennel cough which are usually self-limiting, treatment is recommended immediately when this disease is a possibility or there is a nearby outbreak.