Shelter to close to the public beginning Friday, Feb. 7, for a 30-day quarantine

In response to a recent outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, resulting in the deaths of three dogs, the Wake County Animal Center is taking proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of animals and the community. The shelter will close beginning Friday, Feb. 7 for at least 30 days to help contain the outbreak. The center will stop accepting animals to prevent new cases and protect the total of 287 animals currently being cared for by Wake County.

“The health and safety of the animals in our care is our top priority. While closing the Wake County Animal Center is a difficult decision, it is a necessary step to contain this outbreak and prevent further loss of life,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as our dedicated staff work tirelessly to treat the affected animals and ensure this illness is fully eradicated.”

This respiratory infection is contagious to other dogs, but the mode of transmission is still not well defined, and there is a potential for transmission through feces. Living in shelter settings is considered one of the highest risk factors for infection, but this is something that can cause severe disease in healthy, fully vaccinated dogs.

At this time, there have been three dogs that tested positive for Strep zoo, and all three were fatal.

As staff members work to quarantine, treat and care for the affected animals in the shelter over the next month, the following services will be affected:

• Adoptions: Adoptions of all pets, including dogs, cats and other small animals, are being paused.
• Rabies and Microchip Clinic: The Rabies and Microchip Clinic on March 2 at the Southern Regional Center is cancelled.
• Surrenders: The Wake County Animal Center will NOT allow owners to surrender any animals during this closure. Anyone with an existing appointment to surrender a pet will be notified of their cancellation. Stray animals from the public will not be accepted during this time.
• Animal Control: All five Animal Control agencies across county (Wake County, Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Holly Springs) will continue responding to emergency animal calls, however, they will not be picking up strays or owner surrenders in the field.
• Bite Animals: The Animal Center often holds pets on quarantine following bite incidents, however, at this time, those animals will need to be quarantined instead at veterinary offices or in private homes.
   

Services that will continue to be offered:

• Lost Pets: If you believe your pet is currently at the Animal Center, please call 919-212-PETS (7387) for instructions on providing proof of ownership and the process to reclaim your pet. Please note that lost pet walk-throughs inside the building are by appointment only during the quarantine period.
• Owner-Requested Euthanasia: If you need to euthanize your pet due to health or behavioral issues, you can call and request an appointment for euthanasia. Owners will be asked to provide veterinary notes detailing the animal's medical condition or specific behavioral issues. Euthanasia requested by owners will be carried out immediately upon surrender to the Animal Center. Staff reserves the right to refuse this service if the animal does not appear to be in need of euthanasia. Owners will then be referred to a private veterinarian for assistance.
• Phone Support for Rehoming: If you need to rehome your pet and adopted it from a local organization, we recommend reaching out to them for assistance in finding a new home for your pet or returning it to their programs. We strongly encourage pet owners to work to rehome their pet by using these tips.
• Phone Support for Stray Pets: If you've found a stray pet and are looking to locate its owner, we provide phone support and guidance on how to reunite the pet with its owner.
   

“This is a serious but manageable situation, and our team is doing everything possible to treat the affected dogs and prevent further spread of the infection,” said Wake County Animal Center Chief Veterinarian Dr. Sarah McCain. “Strep zoo can be severe, even in healthy, vaccinated dogs, which is why we are taking swift action to contain it. Our priority is to provide the best possible care for the animals while also protecting the health of the broader pet community.”

Symptoms of Strep zoo include:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Moist cough
• Nasal discharge
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Blood in vomit or urine
   

Tips for keeping your pets safe include:

• Make sure your pet follows a recommended vaccine schedule.
• If you board your pet, make sure the kennel is clean and well maintained, and has an isolation and care plan for dogs that develop signs of kennel cough or other illness.
• Do not take your pets to dog parks or other places if they have signs of kennel cough or other infectious diseases. Keep your dog at home for three weeks after recovery.
• Make sure your pet has current ID tags with your address and phone number clearly displayed so that your pet can be returned to you as soon as possible.
• Keep your pet in overall good health – a strong immune system is the best defense against infection.
   

If you think your dog may have Strep zoo, follow these steps:

• Call your veterinarian before going to their office and let them know your dog’s symptoms. This will allow the veterinarian to determine how to minimize exposure within the practice and prepare for your dog’s arrival.
• Keep your dog away from other dogs and public areas until your dog is seen by your veterinarian.
   

The only way to confirm whether your dog has Strep zoo is to have your veterinarian test for the virus.