Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Today, March 10, 2016, Alachua County Animals Services (ACAS) released their dog kennels from quarantine.

On February 24, ACAS placed their dog kennels under quarantine due to six dogs contracting one or both of the following: streptococcus zooepidemicus, commonly called ‘strep zoo’ and canine pneumovirus.  Strep zoo is a bacterial infection that mainly transfers from dog to dog, but can cross species barriers. It can infect other animals and humans. Canine pneumovirus is a virus that is specific to dogs only.

Under the direction of Dr. Cynda Crawford, Maddie’s Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, Animal Services treated all potentially exposed dogs with antibiotics, maintained all dogs in their individual kennel runs, minimized human contact, and continued rigid disinfecting cleaning protocols.

At the end of the quarantine period, dogs were retested, and the shelter was cleared to re-open.

ACAS apologizes for any inconvenience, and thanks the community for their cooperation in holding dogs while they addressed the medical needs of the dog population.

For more information, contact Alachua County Animal Services Shelter Supervisor Jane Grantman at 352-264-6870.