Bark Park to Remain Closed Until Entire Area is Disinfected

Bark Park has been closed since Tuesday when a dog who was visiting the park was diagnosed with Parvovirus. According to Ridgefield Animal Control Officer, Coles, a woman took her dog to Georgetown Veterinary Hospital after the dog exhibited symptoms. The dog tested positive for Parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces.

Today, Coles said that the park will remain closed until the entire area is completely disinfected. "The park could be closed from 2 days to 6 months," said Coles. "The Fire Department has to hose down the entire area and then apply a bleach spray," he added.

Ridgefield Health Department Director, Ed Briggs, and Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital Veterinarian, Donna Cobelli, recommended that the park be closed this past Tuesday.

It is recommended that any dog who was in the park during the past week be examined by his/her local veterinarian.

The Dog Warden can be reached at 203-431-2711 or on his cell 203-313-0256.