ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Winnebago County Animal Services (WCAS) temporarily suspend adoptions as several dogs have been found to be infected with a severe upper respiratory illness.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, WCAS released a statement about a bacterial infection that is highly contagious and spreads quickly in shelter environments. Strep Zoo, also known as Streptococcus Zooepidemicus, has been found in several dogs currently housed at WCAS.
“While Strep Zoo has been around for several years in many parts of the United States, many people are still unaware of the potentially fatal bacterial infection. While this disease is not new, it is new to this facility.” WCAS said.
Signs of infection include fever, depression, vomiting, labored breathing, coughing blood and discharge from the nose. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, WCAS recommend you take them to the vet immediately.
Staff and shelter program veterinarians and are closely monitoring and treating dogs affected by Strep Zoo.
WCAS asks the community to help reduce the intake of new dogs by holding on to stray, healthy dogs while using social media to help return dogs to their owners without entering the shelter.
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