Philadelphia, June 3, 2009—This afternoon the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) received test results from the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn) confirming the cause of the recent canine shelter deaths as Streptococcus equi, commonly referred to as “strep zoo,” a bacterial infection that is easily treatable with penicillin.

“We reached out to experts at Penn and we are in the process of implementing treatment protocol at both shelters,” said Director of Shelter Medicine and Chief Investigative Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Lee. The PSPCA reached out to animal shelters that have experienced similar "strep zoo" cases and is consulting with the Penn’s Infection Prevention Practitioner to eliminate the bacteria in the environment.

Susan Cosby, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PSPCA officially assumed her role today, June 3, in order to take a proactive role in the situation.