Three goats from North Carolina petting zoo test positive for rabies, prompting exposure warnings

State health officials in North Carolina announced that three goats from the traveling petting zoo Farm Adventures tested positive for rabies, with a fourth goat presumed infected. The animals were euthanized after exposure was traced to a skunk that entered their pen in late July. Health authorities estimate that dozens of people across seven counties may have been exposed as early as July 28, including fewer than 60 individuals in two events held in Durham County.

Veterinarian Michael Martin urged anyone who had contact with the goats to contact their local health department, noting that while human rabies cases from goats are extremely rare, the risk cannot be dismissed. He added that no rabies vaccine is labeled for goats, but off-label use could be considered in consultation with a veterinarian.

Public health officials emphasized that rabies transmission requires direct contact with open skin, such as a bite or licking of a wound, and recommended thorough hand washing or sanitizer use after handling animals. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture noted that existing permitting and sanitation rules primarily apply to sanctioned agricultural fairs, and cited National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians guidance on using extralabel vaccines when licensed options are unavailable.

One parent, Kristie Jo Schutt, reported that two of her children had direct contact with the goats in August and sought medical evaluation. She expressed concern about the lack of stricter regulations for private animal contact events.

Farm Adventures did not respond to requests for comment.