FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August, 10, 2024

Media Contact: Leah Cohen
pio@animalcare.lacounty.gov
(562) 706-8458

DACC Addresses Strep Zoo Outbreak at the
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is actively responding to the Strep Zoo outbreak, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Equi subsp zooepidemicus, currently affecting the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center. Strep Zoo, a bacterium normally found in horses, cattle, and pigs, rarely causes disease. However, when it infects immunocompromised dogs, such as those in stressful shelter environments, it can lead to severe pneumonia. This bacterium poses a significant risk to dogs in stressed conditions, with few warning signs and no available vaccine. 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 Baldwin Park ACC:

• Intake Diversion: To prevent further spread, all new stray and owner surrender dogs will be redirected to the Counties Downey Animal Care Center and Carson Animal Care Center.
• Testing and Cleaning: Deep cleaning efforts have commenced, with special attention given to areas housing positive or symptomatic dogs.
• Treatment Protocols: Dogs undergoing treatment for Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) will receive appropriate medication. All dogs leaving the animal care center will be treated with antibiotics.
• 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 Baldwin Park 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.

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 call the Communications Center at 562-940-6898.

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 animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and 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/.