Respiratory illness outbreak causes St. Mary’s County animal shelter to close temporarily

Gabby Allen
·1 min read

ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center announced Friday that all adoptions and new animal intakes are temporarily paused due to a sudden respiratory illness outbreak.

The contagious upper respiratory illness has impacted several dogs at the center. Though testing has been done to determine the specific illness and its severity, the center said results are still pending.

Frederick County residents should avoid these areas due to sewage overflow from rain

Animals with symptoms are being quarantined, tested and treated. The center said that deep cleaning and personal protective equipment protocols are also in effect for all shelter staff to minimize the risk of the illness spreading.

Until further notice, the center will remain on “emergency admission only” status to better manage and contain the outbreak. The shelter does not have a date for when it will reopen.

If you find a stray dog, the center encourages you to visit St. Mary’s County Lost and Found Animals or call animal control at (301) 475-8018. If you can foster a stray animal, you can email volunteer@stmaryscountymd.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.