Western North Carolina health officials are urging anyone who had contact with baby goats from a mobile petting zoo to contact local public health authorities after several of the animals tested positive for rabies.
What happened
Lab testing confirmed the rabies virus in three baby goats from Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo, and state health officials say a fourth goat is also assumed to be infected. Officials say the animals were likely exposed when a skunk entered the pen where the goats are kept in late July.
Investigators believe potential human exposure occurred at the petting zoo’s location in Harmony or during off-site events held between July 28 and Aug. 27. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) named about 10 locations where exposure may have occurred, including an assisted living facility and a back-to-school event.
Public health response and guidance
Communicable disease teams in multiple counties are contacting event organizers and alerting the public. Officials stress that there is no broad, communitywide risk; instead, risk is primarily to those who were in close contact with the goats at the identified events.
"There is not a broad risk to the public — only those who attended events at the mobile petting zoo and were in close contact with the goats are at risk,"
Mecklenburg County Health Director Kimberly Scott told CNN that state and local teams are continuing a coordinated investigation to determine the extent of the petting zoo’s reach and how many people might be affected. She said health systems appear to have enough postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) available and that officials are prepared to obtain additional supplies if needed.
Who should act
Health officials urge anyone who touched or was in close contact with the goats between July 28 and Aug. 27 to contact their local county health department to determine whether they need PEP, the standard treatment to prevent rabies after possible exposure. State officials reminded residents that North Carolina has not reported a human rabies case since 2011.
- Contact your county health department if you had contact with the goats.
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling health officials.
- Inform health officials of the date and location of the contact if known.
Details from the investigation
Farm Adventures is based in Iredell County and books events in surrounding communities. Officials say the owner has been cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The pets and company staff reportedly received rabies boosters following the discovery.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Confirmed positive goats | 3 |
| Additional assumed infected goat | 1 |
| Potential exposure timeframe | July 28–Aug. 27 |
| Potential event locations | 10 sites, including an assisted living facility and a back-to-school event |
Voices from those affected
Parents and event organizers who hosted or attended Farm Adventures events were notified by public health teams as the investigation unfolded. One parent interviewed by local media urged others to seek medical advice for peace of mind after being contacted by health officials.
State and county health departments emphasize that anyone concerned about possible exposure should reach out immediately to their local health department so officials can assess risk and, if appropriate, arrange postexposure prophylaxis.
Rabies is a rare but serious virus that is preventable if treated promptly after exposure. Public health officials are working across county lines to identify potentially exposed people and ensure they receive appropriate evaluation and care.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the goats during the dates identified should contact their county health department for guidance.
