L.A. animal shelter hit with potentially deadly bacterial outbreak

A Los Angeles animal shelter is diverting pets to other facilities due to an outbreak of a highly contagious and potentially deadly respiratory illness, Streptococcus zooepidemicus , or strep zoo.

Several dogs at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center have tested positive for the bacteria and are undergoing treatment, managers said.

The symptoms of strep zoo are similar to Kennel Cough , with coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. Veterinarians say it can lead to pneumonia and even death, especially in dogs with weakened immune systems.

“We wanted to assure the public we are fully mobilized to address this emergency and keep our pets as healthy as possible by following strict health and safety protocols,” the shelter posted on social media, along with a video showing volunteers cleaning the facility and testing docs.

Experts say strep zoo is unlikely to spread to humans, but it is possible. The shelter remained open on Friday, but visitors were barred from touching the animals.

“Most dogs have not seen or had it or been exposed to [strep zoo],” veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber told KTLA 5 News. “For those that get the infection, it’s extremely aggressive.”

Werber said the Baldwin Park shelter should be very cautious in introducing the animals into other shelters to avoid further spread of the bacteria.

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