For Immediate Release: December 21, 2006
HITS Contact: Kristen Vale 845-246-8833

(Ocala, Fl) -You may have heard about the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak in Florida. We want you to know that we are Virus-Free at HITS Ocala and the shows are on schedule. We are taking pro-active measures and ask that you comply with the following:

Until at least January 15th, the following protocol must be followed for all horses entering the HITS Ocala show grounds:

Vet Check Protocol
1. Anyone entering the site must coordinate their arrival with Nick Ezzo, Grounds Manager, or Dr. Robert Barber, Official Show Veterinarian, at the following numbers:
Nick Ezzo – 914-466-8084 cell, 352-620-2275 office
Dr. Barber – 352-895-6961
Please call 24 hours prior to arrival and plan to arrive between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

2. All incoming horses will be greeted by a Vet or Vet Tech for inspection. No Horse will be permitted on the grounds until the inspection has taken place.

3. All arrivals must be through the Main Gate off Highway 27. The gates off 137th Avenue have been closed.

Additionally, Dr. Barber recommends that all horses be vaccinated for EHV-1 before shipping to Ocala. Contact your Vet first regarding the suggested vaccinations. Any questions regarding vaccinations should be directed to Dr. Barber at 352-895-6961.

These control measures are in place for the safety of your horses, and for the peace of mind of all horsemen. You have our assurance that we will stay up to date on further developments, and that we will enforce, amend or remove the Vet Check Protocol as necessary.

Check the HITS Ocala website for frequent updates, http://www.hitsshows.com.
Do not hesitate to call the office at 845-246-8833 should you have any questions.

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~~~For more information, please contact Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (859) 225-6941, or via e-mail at [email protected].