4 Baby Goats Test Positive for Rabies at NC Petting Zoo
Visitors to the mobile petting zoo may have been exposed to the deadly virus, prompting health officials to urge them to seek medical attention
Four baby goats at a North Carolina mobile petting zoo have tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to warn those who visited the zoo to check in with their healthcare provider to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection. The goats were euthanized after testing positive for the virus.
The goats were likely exposed to rabies by a skunk that entered their pen in late July. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) was first notified of a potential rabies exposure among the goats on Thursday, and the NC State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed rabies virus in three of the baby goats on August 28.
Anyone who had contact with the baby goats from Farm Adventures at a location in Harmony or at an off-site event between July 28 and August 27 may have been exposed to rabies. The goats were featured at 10 events across the state from July 28 through August 23. The owner of the petting zoo, Misty Love, said she is 'devastated' following the positive rabies tests.
The goats were too young to be vaccinated against rabies, which makes the situation even more concerning. Health officials are working with the farm and local health departments to gather information about potential exposure dates and locations. Event organizers are also working with health officials to notify attendees who might have had contact with the infected goats at the 10 events.
## Why it matters The rabies virus is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. However, prompt medical attention, including post-exposure prophylaxis, can prevent the disease from developing. The fact that the baby goats were too young to be vaccinated and were handled by visitors at multiple events increases the risk of exposure to the virus.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information about potential exposure locations at public events will be released when available. Health officials are urging anyone who visited the petting zoo during the specified time period to seek medical attention as a precautionary measure. The situation highlights the importance of taking precautions when interacting with animals, especially those that may be infected with a deadly disease like rabies.
