Portland City Roundup: Emergency Canine Health Alert and February Service Notices

Emergency Health Advisory: Canine Respiratory Outbreak

Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) has issued an emergency quarantine notice following an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus (SZ), a highly contagious bacterial infection. As of Sunday, February 15, 2026, the shelter has paused all dog intakes and adoptions until further notice to contain the spread of the bacteria, which can cause rapid-onset pneumonia. Health officials have confirmed two dog deaths linked to the outbreak. Residents who find stray dogs are urged to provide temporary 'finder-foster' care or network with neighbors to locate owners, as the shelter cannot accept new canine arrivals at this time. Cat and small animal adoptions remain unaffected.

Presidents Day Service Adjustments

In observance of Presidents Day, most City of Portland and Multnomah County administrative offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16, 2026. While core municipal offices are shuttered, several Portland Parks & Recreation community centers will remain open with modified holiday hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. These include the Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers. Indoor pools at these locations will also operate on a holiday schedule, generally closing by 5:30 pm. Regular city business and full office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17.

Public Works and Park Safety Notices

• Maple Trail Closure: Portland Parks & Recreation reminds hikers that a significant section of the Maple Trail in Forest Park, between Firelane 4 and the Koenig Trail, remains closed due to severe storm damage. Repair work on the bridge is scheduled to continue through the spring.
• Errol Heights Caution: A 'Natural Area Trail Caution' is in effect at Errol Heights. An edge failure has narrowed a section of the trail near the overlook to approximately 36 inches. Cones and fencing are in place; pedestrians should stay within marked boundaries.
• Traffic Signal Construction: The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) continues work at the intersection of N Rosa Parks Way and Greeley Avenue. Crews are currently installing new signal poles and electrical conduits. Expect minor delays and occasional lane shifts in North Portland through the week.

Upcoming Public Health and Policy Deadlines

The Oregon Health Authority reminds parents and guardians that the annual Immunization Exclusion Day is Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Under state law, children in schools or childcare facilities must have up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption on file by this date. Additionally, the City Council has officially proclaimed February 2026 as Black History and Black Future Month, as well as Pioneer Black First Responders Month, with various commemorative events scheduled at city facilities throughout the remainder of the month.