An increase in the number of dogs exhibiting an upper respiratory illness has forced the Adams County Animal Shelter to suspend canine intake for two weeks, it was announced Wednesday.
According to the shelter, tests by an outside laboratory revealed that one dog at the facility tested positive for bacteria called strep equi zooepidemicus, which causes hemorrhagic pneumonia and can cause death. “Strep Zoo,” as it is commonly called, is increasingly common in animal shelters.
“The shelter is aggressively treating all dogs currently in our care in order to manage this situation,” said executive director Eva McMickle-DeTolve.
During the suspension, stray dogs found in unincorporated Adams County will be sent to Aurora Animal Shelter. All other stray dogs will be handled by Denver Animal Shelter. Owners who wish to surrender their dogs are advised to take their animal to the Denver Dumb Friends League.
The intake and adoption of cats is not affected by this temporary suspension of canine intake, the shelter said.
