Tests Confirm Two Dogs in Cobb’s Animal Services Shelter Had “Strep Zoo”
Medicine ordered for the shelter’s population, shelter to remain closed to the public

Marietta GA - October 21, 2020 | Test results from the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine show two dogs at the Cobb County Animal Services shelter had contracted “Strep Zoo.”  Streptococcus zooepidemicus is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and can spread quickly among animals in close contact.

Cobb Animal Services has ordered the necessary antibiotics and will begin treatment as soon as the medicine arrives.  The infection is believed to be responsible for the death of at least one dog in the past week, and several other dogs and cats are being treated for symptoms. Veterinarians believe the infection came in with an animal dropped off at the shelter, but they may never be able to determine which one.

“Our Animal Services personnel dealt with a strep zoo outbreak a year ago,” said Public Safety Director Randy Crider.  “They quickly contained the outbreak then, and their experience will help them keep the infection from spreading this time.  It is important to us to save the lives of the dogs and cats we are caring for.”

Veterinarians will monitor the shelter population while the Animal Services staff continues care.  Any animal showing symptoms will be quarantined.  Animal Services officers will continue to respond to calls, and any dog or cat brought in will be kept separate from the shelter population.

The Animal Services shelter will not be able to reopen until after the animals are treated and no symptoms appear among the population for two weeks.  In the meantime, the facility will undergo a deep cleaning in addition to usual sanitization procedures.  The shelter had already been in a “by appointment only” status since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.  Those who recently adopted from the shelter will be notified and advised to seek treatment for their pet if necessary.