Date:               January 11, 2007 

To:                  Faculty, staff, UMass Mounted Police, students and boarders of the UMass Hadley Farm

From:              Steve Purdy, DVM
                        Associate Professor of Veterinary Education

                        Suzanne Mente
                        Assistant Riding Director

Subject:           Recent Rhino (EHV-1) Outbreaks      

In light of recent and geographically close cases of Rhino (both the neurologic and respiratory forms of the disease) we are implementing preventative measures to protect our horses and avoid more severe and costly measures such as shutting down the farm.

Until further notice there will be no outside horses permitted on the farm. 

This includes horses shipping in for lessons, clinics, boarding, and reproductive services.

• Anyone traveling between other horse farms for work, teaching or riding MUST come to the Hadley Farm in clean clothes that have not been in contact with other horses. 
• This includes jackets, gloves, and any outerwear. 
• Boots must be washed and scrubbed in soapy water before coming to the farm.
• We ask that everyone be vigilant in this measure, despite its inconvenience.