Merced County animal shelter back open after disease outbreak forces suspension
The Merced County animal shelter, which had to stop taking in dogs due to an outbreak of a dangerous illness on Dec. 18, is back open and has resumed normal operations.
The facility has been cleaned and steps taken to remove any trace of strep zoo, a fast-moving and highly contagious bacterial infection that affects dogs the Merced County Sheriff’s Animal Services Bureau said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Strep zoo can lead to serious illness in shelters where animals are held in close quarters.
“Thanks to the guidance of our contracted veterinarian and the hard work of our staff and partners, we’ve been able to move forward safely and thoughtfully,” the post said.
Adoptions, rescue transfers and regular services are now fully open.
Jim Silva
The Modesto Bee