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Officials announced that the Prince George's Animals Services and Adoption Center will reopen as of Friday, June 14, after temporarily shuttering its doors earlier this year due to an outbreak of Streptococcus Zooepidemicus, more commonly known as "strep zoo."
"Strep Zoo is a bacterium normally found in horses, cattle, and pigs that rarely causes disease," according to the agency. "When this bacterium infects immunocompromised dogs, it may cause pneumonia.
"There is no vaccine for Strep Zoo, and few warning signs. The bacterium has caused outbreaks of fatal pneumonia in shelter dogs worldwide due to the stressed and crowded conditions in shelters."
According to officials, the staff was able to contain the disease to one of the facility's seven dog rooms, which will remain locked down, with any affected dogs being treated with a slow-release, long-action medication.
“The training and lessons learned from previous canine outbreaks helped provide a positive outcome in this instance,” David Fisher, the Associate Director of the Animal Services Division, said. "Our team has worked tirelessly to address the health concerns within our facility and implement preventative measures to safeguard the well-being of our animals and the community."
Beginning on June 14, the building will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays.
"Getting the animals out of the facility and into homes is critical to getting them in the best position to succeed in the long term," officials said. " Releasing treated animals after the appropriate period does not pose a health threat to the community."
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