The South County Animal Shelter has been closed since Friday due
to an outbreak of ringworm among the shelter’s cats.
San Martin – The South County Animal Shelter has been closed since Friday due to an outbreak of ringworm among the shelter’s cats.
A sign on the shelter’s locked gate said that it should reopen Wednesday.
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms or other parasites.
It is a fungal infection that grows in dead skin, hair and claws. It’s contagious and can be spread to dogs and humans.
Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner Greg Van Wassenhove said Monday he was advised by county veterinarians to close the shelter.
The cats and dogs are being treated and the shelter is being scrubbed down with bleach.
Van Wassenhove said that no kittens were euthanized.
“Being a shelter taking in strays with unknown medical history, we’re going to have the occasional outbreak of disease,” Van Wassenhove said.
