LOS ANGELES—In an effort to address a bacterial outbreak at the Downey Animal Care Center, Los Angeles County officials are taking action April 12 to safeguard animals and prevent further health issues.
The county’s Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) reported Thursday an outbreak of what is known as Streptococcus Zooepidemicus, or Strep Zoo, which can pose a significant risk to dogs when multiple dogs are housed in stressful environments, such as facilities like animal shelters. The bacteria can lead to severe pneumonia in immunocompromised dogs, who can become ill very quickly with few warning signs.
