Upper Marlboro, Maryland – (Monday, January 15, 2024) – The doors of the The Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Upper Marlboro remain closed to the public because of a virus spreading in the facility among dogs. Officials have identified the virus as Streptococcus Zooepemicus. The bacterial respiratory infection also known as Strep Zoo is said to be highly contagious and mostly fatal in dogs if not caught early.

According to a press release, the outbreak forced the facility to close its doors for services last week when signs of severe illness were first exhibited in dogs within the shelter. Under the direction of its facility veterinarians, Dr. Yusef Abdullah and Dr. Sabrina Owens, and Associate Director David Fisher, the staff began immediate isolation, testing, and treatment of animals showing signs of illness. It also engaged in deep cleaning protocols and policies for all staff.

Operations continue to be driven by veterinary medical professionals and best practices in shelter medicine. ASFAC continues to identify any animals showing signs of illness to provide immediate treatment protocols. The facility remains closed to the public until further notice to contain the outbreak. The facility’s reopening to the public will be based ten days from the last reported new symptomatic animal.

“Our staff was fortunate to catch this illness early, which allowed us to put immediate actions in place to stop the spread and help save lives in our shelter dog population,” says David Fisher, Associate Director of the Department of Animal Services.

The outbreak has been reported across the country and is most dangerous in animal shelters where close contact and high levels of stress are usually apparent.

Officials said the virus has not impacted cats or other animals at the shelter. The facility will remain closed while a deep cleaning is done. No word on how long that will take. But in a statement, officials said “reopening to the public will be based 10 days from the last reported new symptomatic animal.”

According to the Animal Foundation, signs of Strep Zoo include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, labored breathing, vomiting, and coughing blood. Officials say contact your veterinarian for immediate care.