The Stockton Animal Shelter has temporarily stopped taking in stray animals and processing adoptions after a case of Streptococcus zooepidemicus was detected in the shelter population, prompting a two-week quarantine and full disinfection of the facility.

The shelter stopped stray intakes and adoptions Thursday and is expected to keep the pause in place through June 4, according to a statement from the City of Stockton Animal Shelter. Normal operations are scheduled to resume June 5.

The bacterial infection, commonly known as “strep zoo,” is associated with severe respiratory disease in dogs and shelter outbreaks, according to ASPCApro, a professional resource program of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. UC Davis shelter medicine guidance also identifies crowding and stress as factors that can increase risk in dogs exposed to the bacteria.

Shelter officials said the temporary halt is intended to protect animals already in the facility and prevent further spread into the community.

“All stray intake and adoptions will be temporarily halted,” the shelter said in its statement. “During this time, we will also be doing a full, thorough disinfecting of the facility to prevent any further spread.”

The closure leaves residents who find stray animals with fewer immediate options during the quarantine period. The shelter is asking community members to post flyers in their neighborhoods, share found pets on social media and community pages, and call Stockton Animal Services at 209-937-7445 to schedule an appointment to bring animals in after the quarantine ends.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of the animals in our care and our community,” the shelter said.

The temporary shutdown comes months after the shelter closed in October following another strep zoo case. The shelter also halted intakes and adoptions at that time while staff worked to prevent the disease from spreading.