25-03-2025
Paxton Dog Park reopens after Parvovirus closure
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Two weeks after a pair of dogs tested positive for Parvovirus and the Paxton Dog Park closed, it's back open, the park district announced on Tuesday.
The dog park was closed after a 'confirmed cross-contamination incident,' which involved two unvaccinated dogs.
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Park District Director Jordan Chapman said that local veterinarians were contacted to figure out the next steps.
'Because Parvovirus is such a contagious and deadly virus, the only right move was to close the dog park immediately upon notice that a pair of dogs that had visited tested positive for Parvo,' Chapman said. 'We have a responsibility as owners and operators of a dog park to do our best to keep the dogs that come to play safe.'
The park district said that Chapman walked the entire dog park and worked to decontaminate it with a bleach and water solution. But, they added that it's important to remember that Parvovirus can remain in the soil for up to a year or longer, which makes it 'extremely difficult to fully eradicate.'
Because it's hard to completely decontaminate, the park district recommends that only fully vaccinated dogs visit public spaces like the dog park, to minimize the risk of exposure.
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To prevent future incidents, the park district is also looking into new safety protocols. The park district is working with Heart Technologies to create a controlled entry system which verifies vaccination records before granting access to the park. Heart Technologies is the same company used by the Champaign Park District for their dog park.
And, the park district is working to educate the community on animal welfare. To do this, the Paxton Park District is teaming up with the Animal Clinic of Paxton. They'll host a Low-Cost Vaccine & Wellness Clinic April 30 from 3-6 p.m. at the Paxton Civic Center.
The event will offer affordable services for cats and dogs. It'll include vaccines, heartworm tests, microchipping, flea, tick and heartworm prescription requests and spay/neuter consultations.
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'We're excited to collaborate with Dr. Kim and her team, who have been long-time Park Districtprogram athletes and parents of athletes,' Chapman said. 'It's a great opportunity to step intotheir world and offer an important service to local pet owners.'
The Paxton Park District encourages all pet owners to stay up to date on vaccinations and to check out the wellness clinic. To learn more about the clinic, or for more information about the dog park, visit the park district's website.
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