FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2024

Media Contact: Don Belton
pio@animalcare.lacounty.gov
562-706-8458

DACC Addresses Strep Zoo Outbreak at the
Downey Animal Care Center

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is actively undertaking mitigation efforts to combat a bacterial outbreak caused by Streptococcus Zooepidemicus (Strep Zoo) at the Downey Animal Care Center. This bacterium poses a significant risk to dogs when multiple dogs are housed in behaviorally stressful conditions, such as at facilities like animal shelters. It can lead to severe pneumonia in immunocompromised dogs, who can become ill very quickly with few warning signs. There is no available vaccine against Strep Zoo. DACC is taking swift and decisive measures to control its spread and ensure the safety of all animals under our care.

Here are the key actions being taken by Downey ACC:

• Intake Diversion: To prevent further spread, all new stray and owner surrender dogs will be redirected to the County’s Baldwin Park Animal Care Center and Carson/Gardena Animal Care Center.
• Testing and Cleaning: DACC is being assisted by its partner, the ASPCA, to swab test affected kennel areas this week. Deep cleaning efforts have commenced, with special attention given to areas housing positive or symptomatic dogs.
• Treatment Protocols: The dogs are under daily observation by veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. Symptomatic dogs receive antibiotics and any necessary supportive care.
• Adoptions/dogs returned to their owners (RTO)/Rescues: All adopters, Return to Owner (RTO) individuals, and rescue organizations will be counseled on potential exposure to Strep Zoo. Although the Downey ACC will continue adoptions, interactions with a potential new pet dog will be limited to only one time with one dog per visit to avoid accidental transmission of the disease to another dog.

DACC remains committed to the health and safety of the animals in its care and appreciates the community's understanding and cooperation during this challenging time. Updates on the situation will be provided as necessary.

For more information and updates, please visit the DACC website at animalcare.lacounty.gov.

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at www.lacountyanimals.org. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.