Bacterial outbreak reported at Downey animal shelter

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DOWNEY – New stray and owner-surrendered dogs are being redirected from the Downey Animal Care Center to other facilities in response to a bacterial outbreak, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control announced Thursday.

The outbreak caused by the streptococcus zooepidemicus bacterium poses a significant risk to dogs when multiple dogs are housed in animal shelters or other behaviorally stressful conditions, according to Don Belton, a public information officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

The bacterium can lead to severe pneumonia in immunocompromised dogs, who can become ill very quickly with few warning signs, Belton said. There is no vaccine against streptococcus zooepidemicus.

New stray and owner-surrendered dogs are being redirected to the department's Baldwin Park and Carson/Gardena centers, Bolton said.

The department and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began swab testing of affected kennel areas and deep cleaning efforts this week. Special attention has been given to areas housing positive or symptomatic dogs, Belton said.

Dogs infected with streptococcus zooepidemicus are under daily observation by veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. Symptomatic dogs are receiving antibiotics and any necessary supportive care, Belton said.

All adopters, return to owner individuals and rescue organizations will be counseled on potential exposure to streptococcus zooepidemicus, Belton said. The Downey Animal Care Center will continue to facilitate adoptions but interactions with a potential new pet dog will be limited to one dog per visit to avoid spread of the disease, Belton said.