Residents of Fort Worth and potential pet adopters are being alerted about an outbreak of streptococcus zooepidemicus, commonly known as "strep zoo," at local Animal Care & Control facilities. This contagious infection, posing a risk primarily to dogs, has been reported by the City of Fort Worth.

In light of this situation, the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is on high alert, especially since the disease thrives in crowded conditions and the shelters are dealing with overcapacity. Extra precautions are being implemented by the staff, with receiving prophylactic treatment for all dogs at the facility, and those with symptoms are being closely monitored and treated intensively. Despite the concerns, they ensure that healthy animals can still be adopted or fostered by the public.

The strep zoo infection, which currently has no vaccine, can manifest through several symptoms in dogs, ranging from a cough and nasal discharge to more severe signs like vomiting, labored breathing, lethargy, or even coughing up blood. Fort Worth officials advise dog owners to seek veterinary assistance promptly if they notice any of these symptoms in their pets. Additionally, to mitigate the risk of exposure, it's recommended for people to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, particularly in crowded environments where the chance of transmission is significantly higher.