San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) has been forced to halt the intake of dogs after a respiratory illness and bacterial infection hit the shelter, resulting in the death of three animals. The illness, caused by a combination of Streptococcus Equi subspecies zooepidemicus, or Strep zoo, and Mycoplasma, has sparked concerns among officials due to its severity.

According to SDHS, the combination of Strep zoo and Mycoplasma has led to more severe disease than if only one pathogen were present. Strep zoo, primarily transmitted through direct contact and fomites, has affected 77 dogs at the shelter. In response, all affected dogs are undergoing treatment, and staff caring for them are required to wear personal protective equipment.

Jonathan Chapman, SDHS's director of veterinary education, reassured the public that the illness is typically found within animal shelters and does not pose a significant threat to the wider canine population. However, precautions must be taken to prevent transmission through fomites, which include surfaces like flooring, doorknobs, clothing, and shoes.

The urgent situation at SDHS has prompted the shelter to temporarily pause dog surrenders, except in cases where the pet's health is at risk. This decision is further complicated by the fact that the shelter has been operating at overcapacity, with 178% capacity for dogs and 116% capacity for cats.

Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the local humane society, expressed concern over the highly virulent nature of the pathogen and attributed it to the strain placed on the shelter due to operating overcapacity throughout the year. Weitzman emphasized the need for community support in order to save lives and overcome this crisis.

To keep the public informed, a dedicated page on the SDHS website has been created to provide updates on the Strep zoo situation. It is crucial for the community to stay aware and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this respiratory illness within the canine community.

As SDHS continues to combat this outbreak, it is clear that immediate action and support from the community are vital in ensuring the well-being of the shelter animals and preventing further fatalities from this aggressive respiratory illness.