North Central Florida animal shelters overwhelmed as strep outbreak closes Alachua facility

Alachua County Animal Services has been under quarantine since last Thursday after multiple cases of “zoo strep” were detected, with officials not yet announcing when full operations will resume. A survey of five regional animal organizations found four operating at capacity, while Williston Animal Group — the only one with space — reports receiving six to seven surrender requests for every adoption inquiry. Rescue workers cite financial hardship among pet owners as a key driver of the surge in surrenders.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Independent Florida Alligator