Updating a story from Friday about the temporary closure of the Cobb Animal Shelter:
The county is saying two dogs have tested positive for strep zoo, and at least one canine death is being attributed to the contagious bacterial infection.
The county said late Wednesday morning that several other cats and dogs are being treated for symptoms after all the animals housed at the shelter were tested by the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine.
The county said antibiotics have been ordered, and that veterinarians think the infection came with an animal dropped off at the shelter, “but they may never be able to determine which one.”
Animals showing symptoms are being quarantined, and the shelter will reopen after treatment and when no symptoms appear among the shelter population for two weeks.
So there will be no appointments for the public for adoptions during that time, and the shelter will undergo a deep cleaning.
This is same process that took place during a strep zoo outbreak last year that resulted in two dog deaths.
Any animal showing symptoms will be quarantined. Officers at the shelter will respond to calls and animals brought to the shelter while it’s closed will be kept separately.
The Cobb Department of Animal Services was to have launched an online appointment booking option starting Tuesday.
The shelter has been open to the public for adoption and animal surrender only by appointment since COVID-19 closures in the spring.
Cobb Animal Services is also notifying anyone who recently adopted an animal from the shelter and is advising them to seek treatment for their pet if necessary.
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