Multnomah County Animal Services pauses dog intake and adoptions to manage respiratory outbreak
Multnomah County, Ore. (Feb. 13, 2026) — Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) notified the Oregon State Veterinarian of an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus (SZ) and, as a part of standard protocol, has been issued a quarantine notice. MCAS is operating with extreme caution and working in close coordination with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to contain the contagious bacteria, which can cause rapid-onset pneumonia in dogs.
There are currently two confirmed dog deaths linked to SZ, along with a third suspected case involving a dog that presented similar clinical symptoms at the shelter. As deaths and illness began to occur, MCAS took extreme caution and intensified disinfection schedules and increased the frequency of veterinary rounds and contact tracing. In addition, lab tests were initiated and analyzed by Oregon State University. As soon as preliminary results identified the presence of SZ, the shelter promptly reported the findings to the state.
To prioritize the health of animals currently in care and minimize community exposure, MCAS is pausing all dog intakes and adoptions effective immediately. The shelter cannot accept new found dogs until further notice. While owners may still reclaim lost pets, the State Veterinarian may require additional at-home care. For the latest schedule and notice of when adoptions will resume, please visit multcopets.org.
“We are treating this situation with the utmost urgency,” said Margi Bradway, director of the Multnomah County Department of Community Services. “Our team began shifting resources and responding immediately, and we remain fully committed to the safety of every pet in our care and the health of the broader community.”
The shelter remains open for:
- cat and small animal adoptions
- owners reclaiming lost pets (additional at-home care may be required by the State Veterinarian)
How the community can help
While the shelter is closed to new intakes, owners may still reclaim their pets. We are asking the public to support the following efforts to help stray animals:
- Community-based Sheltering: If you are able, please provide temporary "finder-foster" care for found dogs in your home.
- If you’re unable to hold the found dog, reach out to friends and neighbors to see if anyone can provide a temporary place for them to stay until the owner is located, or network with members of online lost and found pet networks for support.
- Network with Neighbors: Talk to people in the immediate area where the pet was found. Data shows that most lost pets are found within a few blocks of their home.
- Report the Pet as Found Online: Immediately file a "Found Pet Report" on our website at multcopets.org/found-pet. Other resources and tips are available on the website.
- Check for a Microchip: Take the pet to a local veterinary clinic or pet supply store; most will scan for a microchip free of charge in order to contact the pet’s family.
Information About Streptococcus zooepidemicus (SZ)
SZ can progress very quickly. Please monitor your dog closely for the following symptoms and seek immediate emergency veterinary care if you notice:
- Difficulty breathing (This is a medical emergency)
- Bloody discharge from the nose or mouth
- Fever (Normal dog temperature is 99.5° to102.5° F)
- Sudden decrease in appetite or energy levels
Treatment and Prevention
- Treatment: SZ can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, but it is vital to start treatment as soon as symptoms appear for the best chance of recovery.
- At-Home Care: There is no vaccine for SZ. We strongly recommend quarantining your dog for 7–10 days from any other dogs in your home and avoiding public places like dog parks, groomers, or boarding kennels.
- Human Safety: Human infection is very rare and typically only occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. Most human infections are associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk or contact with horses.
