North Carolina petting zoo euthanizes baby goats after rabies tests

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that three baby goats from a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies, with a fourth presumed infected. All four animals were euthanized, and the agency issued an advisory urging anyone who may have been exposed to contact local health departments for possible post-exposure treatment.

The goats, owned by Farm Adventures in Harmony, had been part of a traveling exhibit that visited at least ten locations across six counties since late July, including an assisted-living facility and a back-to-school event. State officials said the animals were likely infected after a skunk entered their enclosure.

"Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection," the health department statement read.

Public health officials are working with event organizers to notify attendees who may have had contact with the goats, and the investigation remains ongoing. No human rabies cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011, and officials noted that human infections are rare nationwide.

The petting zoo has been placed under quarantine, and remaining animals have received rabies booster vaccinations.

"For any parent that has any question, I highly recommend them to go get vaccinated," farm owner Misty Love said in an interview.

The CDC reports that most rabies cases in the United States involve wildlife such as skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes.