North Carolina health officials warn of possible rabies exposure from mobile petting zoo
Public health authorities say visitors who handled baby goats at a mobile petting zoo between July 28 and Aug. 27 may have been exposed to rabies and should seek a risk assessment.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning that people who had direct contact with baby goats at the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo between July 28 and Aug. 27 could have been exposed to rabies. The advisory covers attendees at the zoo’s Harmony location and at off-site events in Iredell, Mecklenburg, Davidson, Watauga, Burke, Davie and Durham counties.
Three goats tested positive for rabies after a skunk bite on the farm in late July, and a fourth goat was presumed infected. All four animals were euthanized, and the remaining livestock were placed under quarantine while officials investigate the extent of exposure.
"Rabies is a serious illness that is almost always fatal, so it's important for residents who may have been exposed to take immediate steps to protect health," said Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott. "Parents and caregivers should call on behalf of children who may have interacted with the goats. Residents should not wait for symptoms before calling."
The petting zoo said the goats were kept separate, were too young for vaccination, and that the skunk was removed after it bit the animals. The owner has cooperated with state and county investigators.
Health officials advise anyone who handled the goats to contact local health departments for a rabies risk assessment. Post-exposure vaccination is nearly 100 % effective when administered promptly.