PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – The Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Animal Care and Control (ACC) has announced a temporary suspension of dog intakes, both for owner surrenders and strays, until Monday, December 18. This decision follows the emergence of three cases of Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, commonly known as Strep Zo, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three dogs.
Under the advisement of Dr. Cynda Crawford, chair of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, ACC has halted the intake of dogs into the shelter for a minimum of three days post-therapy. This measure is to mitigate the risk of infection spread to other dogs. All animals in the facility have been quarantined, and dogs currently in the shelter are being treated with injectable and oral antibiotics, expected to eradicate the infection within 72 hours of the final dose.
This outbreak marks the first occurrence of this virulent pathogen at ACC. The department stresses the importance of awareness among local veterinarians, rescue organizations, and shelters regarding the presence of Strep Zo in the community. The temporary suspension of dog intakes is a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in the shelter and the broader community.