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Pennsylvania SPCA Confirms Cause of Illness at Shelters
June 04, 2009, 8:30PM MT
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Streptococcus equi (“Strep Zoo”) Responsible for Recent Canine Deaths
Streptococcus equi (“Strep Zoo”) Responsible for Recent Canine Deaths
From PSPCA
This afternoon the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) received test results from the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn) confirming the cause of the recent canine shelter deaths as Streptococcus equi, commonly referred to as “strep zoo,” a bacterial infection that is easily treatable with penicillin.
“We reached out to experts at Penn and we are in the process of implementing treatment protocol at both shelters,” said Director of Shelter Medicine and Chief Investigative Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Lee. The PSPCA reached out to animal shelters that have experienced similar "strep zoo" cases and is consulting with the Penn’s Infection Prevention Practitioner to eliminate the bacteria in the environment.
Susan Cosby, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PSPCA officially assumed her role today, June 3, in order to take a proactive role in the situation.
The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, guaranteeing a home for every adoptable animal, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, we prevent cruelty towards animals and promote respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PSPCA has satellite shelters in Wellsboro, Centre Hall, Danville and Montrose. The Philadelphia branch houses a full-service animal hospital, obedience training academy, adoption facility and the PSPCA Law Enforcement Department, which is responsible for enforcing Philadelphia and Pennsylvania animal cruelty laws. In Philadelphia, the Animal Care and Control Team Powered by the PSPCA (ACCT) is charged with enforcing the City’s animal control codes, as well as finding homes for Philadelphia’s thousands of stray and surrendered adoptable animals via rescue, foster care, and adoption. For more information, visit http://www.pspca.org.
Reprinted with permission
Logo courtesy of PSPCA
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