Oregon Shelter Quarantined After Streptococcus zooepidemicus Outbreak
Alert Date: February 13, 2026
Type: Breaking News Alert
Location: Multnomah County Animal Services, Oregon
Pathogen: Streptococcus zooepidemicus
Impact: 2 confirmed dog deaths, 1 suspected; quarantine issued
Response: All dog intakes and adoptions suspended
Who Is Affected
Shelter practitioners nationwide should be aware of this emerging pathogen in shelter environments. Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) in Portland, Oregon has been issued a quarantine notice by the Oregon State Veterinarian following confirmed cases of Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Local impact: The facility has suspended all dog intakes and adoptions effective immediately. Cat and small animal adoptions continue normally.
What Happened
On February 13, 2026, Multnomah County Animal Services reported an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus (SZ) that has resulted in two confirmed dog deaths and one suspected case with similar clinical symptoms.
As deaths and illness occurred, MCAS intensified disinfection protocols, increased veterinary rounds frequency, and initiated contact tracing. Laboratory testing conducted by Oregon State University confirmed the presence of SZ, prompting immediate notification to state authorities per standard protocol.
The Oregon State Veterinarian issued a quarantine notice as part of standard disease management procedures for shelter outbreaks.
Clinical Significance
Streptococcus zooepidemicus causes rapid-onset pneumonia in dogs and represents an emerging concern in high-density shelter environments. The pathogen’s ability to cause acute respiratory disease with rapid progression makes early detection and containment critical.
Zoonotic potential: Practitioners should note that while uncommon, S. zooepidemicus has been associated with human infections, particularly in individuals with direct animal contact or compromised immune systems.
Biosecurity Recommendations for Shelter Practitioners
Immediate Assessment
- Review current respiratory disease protocols
- Evaluate ventilation systems and air circulation patterns
- Assess population density and housing configurations
- Document clinical monitoring frequency for new intakes
Enhanced Surveillance
- Implement daily respiratory assessments for all dogs
- Establish baseline temperature monitoring protocols
- Consider prophylactic health screening for high-risk populations
- Document any acute respiratory symptoms immediately
Environmental Controls
- Increase disinfection frequency in housing areas
- Focus sanitization efforts on high-touch surfaces and feeding areas
- Review staff movement patterns to minimize cross-contamination
- Consider temporary intake restrictions during suspected outbreaks
Laboratory Protocols
- Establish relationships with veterinary diagnostic laboratories
- Prepare rapid testing protocols for respiratory pathogens
- Document sample collection procedures for bacterial culture
- Maintain clear communication channels with state veterinary authorities
Staff Protection
- Review PPE protocols for staff handling sick animals
- Implement hand hygiene stations in animal housing areas
- Provide training on zoonotic disease recognition
- Establish clear reporting procedures for staff illness
Ongoing Situation
MCAS continues operating with cat and small animal adoptions while dog services remain suspended. Pet owners may still reclaim lost animals, though additional at-home care requirements may apply per state veterinary guidance.
The shelter is requesting community assistance with temporary “finder-foster” care for stray dogs until normal operations resume. Updates on service restoration will be posted at multcopets.org.
This alert is provided for educational purposes to veterinary professionals. Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with attending veterinarians and relevant regulatory authorities.
For upcoming continuing education on shelter medicine and infectious disease management, visit https://events.vetonitce.org/on-demand.
Official Sources
- Multnomah County News Release: County Animal Services pauses dog intake and adoptions to manage respiratory outbreak