Multnomah County Animal Services has temporarily closed its dog adoption and intake programs as the organization works to manage a dangerous canine respiratory illness.

The organization recently notified state veterinary officials that there was an outbreak of “Strep Zoo” (SZ) at their facilities. Per standard protocol, the MCAS went under quarantine effective immediately, according to a press release.

SV — sp. Streptococcus zooepidemicus — is a contagious bacterial infection that causes rapid-onset, often fatal pneumonia in dogs. The disease is most often found in horses where it is harmless, but made the species jump to cats and dogs in the 1930s. Antibiotics can treat the disease if it’s caught early enough.

“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.”

MCAS is ramping up their disinfection efforts and giving animals in their care more frequent veterinary checkups. Two dogs are confirmed to have died from the disease, and a third was suspected to have contracted the illness.

Owners are still able to reclaim lost pets from MCAS facilities, but it’s highly recommended that those pets get extra veterinary care after they come home.

Officials ask that the community help support their efforts by networking with neighbors to find lost pets, offering community-based sheltering for found pets and immediately file a “Found Pet Report” when one is found. Local veterinarians can provide microchip checks to help reunite pets with their owners.

For the latest schedule and notices of when adoption services will start up again, you can visit multcopets.org.