MEDLEY, Fla. -- The Miami-Dade County Animal Services department is mostly shut down after the mysterious death of 12 adult dogs this week.

The dogs first appeared to have kennel cough, not uncommon in any kennel, but within hours their conditions worsened, Local 10's Rad Berky reported.

"In my opinion this is going to be a new emerging disease," said Dr. Sara Pizano, director of animal services.

Tissue samples from the dead dogs have been sent for analysis to the University of Florida Veterinary School. Experts from UF are to tour the pound later this week, Berky reported.

All new adoptions have been halted, according to Pizano.

Anyone scheduled to pick up a dog Wednesday or Thursday can still do so, but only after being notified of the deaths.

Animal Services must take in any animal regardless of its condition, but Pizano said they are trying to make arrangements for new dogs to go elsewhere until they get an idea of what is harming the dogs.

The annual Valentine's Day adoption party scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled, said Pizano.