Background

On March 29, the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter closed to identify and contain a contagious upper respiratory infection that spread to 130 dogs in three days. Samples were sent to a lab, and they tested positive for both canine flu and strep zoo.

Situation Update

To date, 298 dogs have shown symptoms of upper respiratory infection, and five dogs have died due to the infection.

Because we were unable to test every dog, all dogs showing symptoms of respiratory infection were treated as if they were positive. Many of the dogs’ symptoms have subsided. Staff continues to treat symptomatic dogs.

The shelter’s veterinarian recommended keeping the shelter closed during the incubation period and shedding period for the virus – which is about a month. This closure helps limit the spread of disease in the community and protects the animals in the shelter. 

“The Animal Welfare team is incredibly grateful to the community for the support we’ve received during this difficult time,” said Shelter Superintendent Jon Gary. “The goal was to contain the spread of the virus and save as many lives as possible. The support we’ve received has allowed us to do that.”

Animals that are sick, injured or pose a threat to the community will still be taken in. The shelter has a population of approximately 400 dogs.

Residents looking for lost pets can visit okc.gov/animalwelfare. Pets that are at the shelter can be reclaimed by their owners. 

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Media Contact: Jon Gary (405) 297-3116 jonathan.gary@okc.gov