The San Diego Humane Society temporarily paused owner surrenders of dogs, except in emergencies that threaten the health of the pet, due to occurrences of two highly contagious diseases. The illnesses -- a respiratory disease called Streptococcus Equi subspecies Zooepidemicus and also known as Strep zoo, and a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma -- have in combination led to more severe disease than one of the pathogens might cause alone. "Any shelter that cares for the large number of animals we care for is used to managing infectious disease," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO at San Diego Humane Society. "But this is the first time we have had this highly virulent pathogen. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/life/animals/humane-society-pauses-dog-intake-due-to-illnesses/509-e4cb3dae-2768-48c8-a13b-f39850f18a53