Multnomah Co Shelter Quarantined After Strep Outbreak Kills Two Dogs – KXL

PORTLAND, OR – Multnomah County Animal Services said it has been placed under quarantine after confirming an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, a contagious from of bacteria that can cause rapid-onset pneumonia in dogs, resulting in two confirmed deaths and a third suspected case.

The shelter notified the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon State Veterinarian of the outbreak and was issued a quarantine notice under standard protocol, officials said.

There are currently two confirmed dog deaths linked to the outbreak. A third dog that exhibited similar clinical symptoms is considered a suspected case, pending further confirmation, officials said.

As illnesses and deaths began to occur, the shelter intensified its disinfection schedule, increased the frequency of veterinary rounds and launched contact tracing efforts. Laboratory testing was conducted and analyzed by Oregon State University. Once preliminary results identified the presence of the bacteria, the shelter reported the findings to the state.

The shelter said it is pausing all dog intakes and adoptions effective immediately. It will not accept newly found dogs until further notice.

Owners may still reclaim lost pets, though the State Veterinarian may require additional at-home care. Updates on shelter operations and adoption schedules will be posted at multcopets.org.

“We are treating this situation with the utmost urgency,” said Margi Bradway, director of the Multnomah County Department of Community Services. “Our team began shifting resources and responding immediately, and we remain fully committed to the safety of every pet in our care and the health of the broader community.”

The shelter remains open for cat and small animal adoptions, as well as for owners reclaiming lost pets.

Officials are urging anyone who finds stray dogs to provide temporary “finder-foster” care at home, or to ask friend, family, and neighbors to shelter those dogs instead of taking them to Multnomah County Animal Services, for the time being.  Another option can be online lost-and-found pet networks.

Shelter officials said most lost pets are typically found within a few blocks of their home and encouraged residents to speak with neighbors in the area where an animal was found. Members of the public are also advised to file a “Found Pet Report” on the shelter’s website and have found animals scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic or pet supply store, a service that is often provided free of charge.

State officials did not immediately indicate how long the quarantine would remain in effect.