Rockford-area shelter resumes adoptions after Strep Zoo outbreak

Winnebago County Animal Services will resume dog adoptions at their facility following a temporary suspension due to the detection of Strep Zoo in several dogs housed at the facility.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the illness that was discovered at the shelter?

Streptococcus Zooepidemicus or Strep Zoo was found in several dogs currently housed at Winnebago County Animal Services.

What is Strep Zoo?

Strep Zoo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads quickly in shelter environments where there is high population levels causing stressful environments for the dogs. Strep Zoo is normally found in horses, cattle, and pigs that rarely causes disease. When this bacterium infects immunocompromised dogs, it may cause severe pneumonia.

How many animals were infected?

Recently, two dogs in the facility were diagnosed with severe pneumonia. One of those dogs was tested for upper respiratory illness and tested positive for Strep Zoo.

What was done to treat the dogs?

In response to the outbreak, WCAS began treating every dog at their facility with penicillin injection treatments, administered every 3-4 days for the entire duration of their stay, as a preventive respiratory measure against the outbreak.

How do I know the dogs are safe to adopt?

WCAS said dogs that have completed the three-dose penicillin treatment (7-10 day regimen) and are deemed healthy or show only minor upper respiratory symptoms are now eligible for adoption. Prospective pet owners considering adoption can rest assured that dogs available for adoption, post-treatment, are not contagious once they leave the facility.

What else has been done to rid the shelter of Strep Zoo?

In conjunction with the recommended treatment, staff is deep cleaning and sanitizing the kennel areas, aiming to prevent any further spread.

I recently adopted from WCAS, should I be concerned?

If the dog is not experiencing symptoms, there should not be concern. You can reach out to WCAS at (815) 319- 4100 for more information and support. If after normal business hours and your pet is experiencing signs of illness, seek veterinary care.

Which pets are available for adoption?

To view all adoptable pets at Winnebago County Animal Services, visit www.WinnebagoAnimals.org or call 815-319-4100.

Chris Green is a general assignment reporter with the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at 815-987-1241 or via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and Twitter @chrisfgreen