St. Mary’s animal shelter halts adoptions, dogs die from outbreak

The St. Mary’s animal shelter is halting adoptions and other services after several dogs contracted a contagious illness at the center.

Recent testing came back positive for canine influenza (dog flu), mycoplasma cynos (kennel cough) and Streptococcus equi, which is a subspecies of Zooepidemicus (strep zoo). Additional test results are still pending, according to a St. Mary’s County spokesperson.

The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center announced late last week the temporary pause to adoptions and non-emergency animal intakes in response to a sudden outbreak of a contagious upper respiratory illness impacting the center’s dogs.

“Our team at the shelter is working tirelessly to identify, treat, and provide comfort care to affected animals, while also implementing rigorous protocols to prevent further transmission,” Emergency Services Director Jennifer Utz, a division of which is Animal Services, said in a statement. “This is a very difficult situation to manage in shelter care and has placed a significant emotional strain on our team, who are deeply passionate about the welfare of the animals in our care.”

Utz, who just recently started her job with the county, added that both canine influenza and strep zoo have been prevalent and on the rise in animal shelters across the U.S. over the past few years.

As of Wednesday morning, the number of affected dogs is at 14 and those are being quarantined.

Symptomatic animals are being immediately quarantined, tested and are being treated with prophylactic antibiotics, nebulizer treatments, fluids for dehydration, vitamins for immune support and appetite stimulants, according to Jenna Guzman, the county’s spokesperson.

Two animals have died from the illness, while eight were humanely euthanized under veterinary direction to prevent further suffering.

A statement added that “there is no evidence that canine influenza can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Human infections with strep zoo are rare and are generally associated with contact with horses and consumption of unpasteurized milk products, goat cheese or pork.”

Deep cleaning and personal protective equipment protocols are also in effect for all shelter staff to reduce the risk of further transmission.

The facility will be on emergency admissions only status until further notice to manage and contain the outbreak.

The Animal Adoption & Resource Center will reopen to the public 10 days after the last confirmed case is identified and is not showing signs of illness.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from both the community and our regional partners as we navigate this challenging situation,” Utz said in the release.

Shelters nationwide are experiencing increased animal infection rates, according to the release. Many shelter dogs come in as strays with preexisting illnesses, malnourishment, cruelty experiences or other maladies, which make them more susceptible to severe illness, in addition to the overall rise overall in the number of animal intakes such as strays and surrenders increases the risk of transmission and outbreak.

While shelter overcrowding has become the norm nationwide, this can be changed with help from the community, St. Mary’s County Animal Services encourages pet owners to spay/neuter their animals, be responsible pet owners and consider fostering an animal in need.

For residents who find a stray dog, call 301-475-8018 or go to www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Lfpets.

For more information on the St. Mary’s animal shelter, go to www.stmaryscountymd.gov or www.facebook.com/smcanimalservices.