Animal shelters in Lexington temporarily closed

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control and the Lexington Humane Society are temporarily closing.

The facilities say it is in response to a health safety issue at the facility.

According to the Lexington Humane Society, staff veterinarians have confirmed a case of a bacterial infection in one of the animals at the joint campus.

“This weekend we identified Streptococcus zooepidemicus (strep zoo) in a dog at the facility. The illness affects the respiratory system, and is most common in horses and cows, but also affects dogs and cats,” said Dr. Liz Ubelhor, agency veterinarian, in a press release.

Strep zoo is spread through airborne exposure, contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces.

Under safety guidelines, both buildings have to be closed and cleaned. Agency officials say both facilities are under a 14-day cleaning and quarantine plan.

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control says it will not be receiving animals at the facility and animals currently at the both facilities will be held at there until the quarantine and cleaning is complete.

A temporary animal shelter is being put in place at Masterson Station Park. The temporary shelter will house stray animals that are picked up by patrolling officers, or turned in by members of the public. No owned animal will be accepted for surrender at the temporary shelter location.

Adoption services at the Lexington Humane Society main building and Everyday Adoption Center services at PetSmart will also be temporarily suspended.

The Humane Society says health officials at both agencies are closely monitoring the condition of animals in their care. Animals who are not showing signs of sickness will be given a safe, long-acting, broad spectrum antibiotic know as Convenia.

Adoption services at the Lexington Humane Society main building and Everyday Adoption Center services at PetSmart will also be temporarily suspended.

For updates on the quarantine and cleaning process please visit .