An infectious disease has put a temporary halt to owner surrenders of dogs at the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS).
Due to occurrences of a respiratory disease called Streptococcus Equi subspecies Zooepidemicus (also known as Strep zoo) and a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma, the SDHS has limited its dog intake to stray animals through Dec. 1. According to the organization’s statement, the two in combination have led to more severe disease than what the shelter might see with just one of these pathogens.
To date, three dogs have died from Strep zoo at the shelter, which is operating over capacity.
“Any shelter that cares for the large number of animals we care for is used to managing infectious disease. But this is the first time we have had this highly virulent pathogen,” says Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA, president and CEO at SDHS. “We believe this is a direct result of having to operate over capacity this entire year. We really need the community’s help to save lives here.”
Currently, SDHS is operating at 178 percent capacity for dogs and 116 percent capacity for cats. To help prevent the spread of disease, the organization is:
- Limiting its dog intake to stray animals through Dec. 1, 2023
- Requesting that all relinquishments of other species be made by appointment only
- Waiving reclaim fees for anyone picking up their lost dog through Dec. 1, 2023
- Waiving adoption fees for all puppies and dogs through Dec. 1, 2023
- Pleading with the community to temporarily foster a dog in hopes of getting at least 100 dogs out of the shelter as soon as possible
To prevent the spread of disease, SDHS is urging everyone to help keep dogs out of the shelter. Finders of lost animals are encouraged to participate in their Wait 48 or StrayCare programs, which allow community members to care for stray pets in their homes while the organization actively works to find their owner.
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