Rusk, Texas (East Texas News) – Tests indicate that a county K-9 from Cherokee County died from a parasitic disease called Chagas. Zable, a year-and-a-half-old Dutch Shepherd, had been working at the sheriff’s office for roughly two months when he died. He came from Hill County’s K-9 Center, where he was acquired with funds seized from drug busts.
After his shift on July 21, Zable and his handler had returned home. Zable suffered a medical emergency while walking from the patrol unit to his kennel and was transported to a veterinary clinic in Tyler, where he died.
A necropsy revealed the cause of death. Chagas disease is caused by a protozoan parasite to which young dogs appear to be more susceptible. Some die without showing symptoms, according to a sheriff’s office press release.
The sheriff’s office received reimbursement for the cost of Zable and his training.
