KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Young-Williams Animal Center confirmed two dogs passed away at their main center on Division Street after testing positive for Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus also known as “Strep zoo.”
Two other dogs tested positive and Young-Williams said they are recovering well but are isolated from the other dogs. As a precaution, the center has tested every dog in their care and placed them on preventive antibiotics.
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“This is the time of year when canine respiratory illnesses are most common,” said Dr. Lisa Chassy, medical director for Young-Williams Animal Center. “While this illness is not exclusive to shelters, we face additional challenges in preventing the spread of any disease when we have hundreds of animals in our care.”
Strep Zoo often occurs in kennel settings, typically appearing after a dog has already had a respiratory illness or kennel cough. Symptoms of Strep zoo include coughing, sneezing, labored breathing, vomiting, fever, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy. Young-Williams added that it’s rarely seen in house pets.