The Stockton Animal Shelter’s stray intake and adoptions have been paused until June 4 after a case of a highly infectious and fatal disease was found this week.
Shelter officials said a case of streptococcus zooepidemicus, also referred to as “strep zoo,” had been found within the shelter on May 21. Strep zoo has caused several outbreaks of hemorrhagic pneumonia in dogs in recent years, most commonly among dogs housed in groups, according to The National Institutes of Health.
Shelter officials said they will conduct a full disinfection of the facility in an attempt to limit further spread.
The shelter, located at 1575 S. Lincoln St., is set to reopen on June 5.
Last October, the same disease was found in the shelter and prompted a 14-day closure.
While the shelter remains closed, residents who find stray animals are advised to post flyers and share the found pet on social media and community pages.
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton animal shelter closed following discovery of disease
Reporting by Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record / The Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

