Gwinnett County animal shelter pauses adoptions, intakes due to Strep Zoo outbreak

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center will be closed until Dec. 17 to prevent the spread of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, known as Strep Zoo.

The center paused adoptions earlier this week following the sudden, unassisted deaths of three canines in the center’s care since Friday, Nov. 29. Gwinnett County initiated testing in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to determine the cause, identifying Strep Zoo. 

Symptoms in dogs are severe respiratory distress, nasal discharge, vomiting and rapid decline in health within 24 to 48 hours. Without timely intervention, Strep Zoo can be fatal. Treatment with antibiotics is effective, since it is a bacterial infection. Early diagnosis is key, officials said.

Pet owners should monitor pets carefully for symptoms and seek immediate veterinary attention if symptoms arise.

Strep Zoo is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can transfer between animals and humans, although human cases are very rare and associated with other underlying diseases or immunosuppression.

During this time, Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement will continue to process pet reclaims. The center also will allow for the intake of sick, injured or aggressive animals for the safety of the community.

For more information about Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement, visit GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com .

The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center is located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. 

Image via GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com