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A highly contagious and deadly virus has made its way to the Palm Beach County animal shelter.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is suspended the intake of any new dogs at its shelter after three dogs that tested positive for Strep Zo have died.
The remaining dogs are quarantined while undergoing antibiotic treatment and the agency says they expect to begin taking in more canines on Monday.
This is the first time the virus has been seen in the shelter. Strep Zo has been causing massive outbreaks at shelters in three other states. It causes severe bleeding in the lungs, which can lead to sudden death within hours.
A number of rescues in Palm Beach County have offered to take in any dogs that people would otherwise be bringing to the shelter in West Palm Beach. They include Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee, Furry Friends in Jupiter, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach and Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton.