No dogs allowed at Lombard's Mutt Strut 5K race

Lombard's 10th annual Mutt Strut 5K race and 1-mile walk will take place Saturday, minus one key component: the mutts.

Despite a decrease in the number of cases of canine influenza, Lombard Park District decided to ban dogs from the event to keep pets safe. It joins other area groups that canceled or altered events to prevent spread of the flu.

Officials said they made the decision after consulting with Georgie Ludwig, interim veterinarian for DuPage County.

Ludwig said she has been in contact with a researcher at Cornell University who is tracking the flu and found it peaked from April 5 to 11.

"It's clearly on the decline in our area," she said.

While it's unlikely any cases would pop up during the Mutt Strut, Ludwig said it "just was not worth the risk."

"All you need is to have a dog sneeze and that spray could affect a number of dogs around them," she said. "There's a period before the race starts where the dogs are side to side, nose to nose. It would be impossible to avoid contact."

The canine flu is an upper respiratory infection that causes sneezing, runny nose and droopy eyes. Most dogs can easily be treated, but those with underlying health conditions could die.

Ludwig said she has seen about 30 cases of canine flu at the Lombard Veterinary Hospital. She even treated dogs in cars because of how highly contagious the disease is. But in recent weeks it has increasingly becoming "a nonissue" as the flu season dies down.

Area park districts with dog parks, such as Carol Stream's Bark Park, are leaving visits to owner's discretion.

Carolyn Mondlock, marketing and communications coordinator for the Carol Stream district, said staff members still are doing frequent checks to make sure dogs in the park have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

Other events affected by the flu have included Elmhurst's Spring Road Pet and Bike Parade, which was scheduled for Saturday, and Dog Day at U.S. Cellular Field on May 18. Both were canceled.

In April, ADOPT Pet Shelter in Naperville made its annual Makin' Strides for Strays Walkathon virtual, to avoid dog-to-dog contact. Organizers encouraged people to participate online by submitting photos on Facebook, but response was low.

"We did not want to take a chance of exposing any dogs to the illness," said Chris Stirn, the shelter's executive director.

The event typically draws 200 to 300 dogs and raises between $50,000 and $60,000. This year, it raised about $24,000.

"I did not get one complaint about the event being changed," Stirn said. "Many people called us and thanked us for being responsible."

Jill Wejman, marketing and communications manager for Lombard Park District, said there are usually about 500 Mutt Strut participants, but only about 100 bring a dog.

As of Thursday, more than 250 people were registered, which Wejman said is "right on track" with previous years, as another 200 to 250 people usually register the day of the race.

While not being able to bring their dog might deter some, Wejman and Ludwig said they hope runners still will come out for a good cause.

Proceeds go DuPage Animal Care and Control and the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry.

If you go

What: Lombard Mutt Strut 5K run and 1-mile walk

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16; race day registration open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

Where: Maple Street and Park Avenue, southeast corner of Lilacia Park

Cost: $28 per person, includes T-shirt and pancake breakfast after race

Why: Proceeds benefit DuPage County Animal Care & Control and Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry

Info: No dogs will be allowed at this year's event. For information, visit lombardparks.org or call (630) 620-7322