North Carolina health officials evaluate hundreds after baby goats test positive for rabies
State health departments have assessed 284 people for possible rabies exposure after a mobile petting zoo's baby goats were found infected, and recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for most.
Local health departments in North Carolina have evaluated 284 individuals who had contact with baby goats from a traveling petting zoo, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. The goats, owned by Farm Adventures of Harmony, were taken to at least ten venues across the state between July 28 and August 27, including a Masonic picnic, assisted-living centers and a back-to-school event.
State officials advised post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for 213 of those evaluated, noting that when administered promptly, PEP is considered fully effective at preventing fatal rabies infection. The CDC reports that about 100,000 Americans receive PEP each year.
At Jurney’s Assisted Living Home in Statesville, eight residents are undergoing treatment after exposure. Executive Director Chrissy Stein-Martin said none of the residents refused PEP and praised the cooperation of hospitals and health departments.
“They’ve been asking good questions, seeing what they can do to help. In fact, the health department’s coming here to do all the follow-up vaccines so we don’t have to take the residents out. And the families have been very supportive,” she said.
Farm Adventures confirmed that four baby goats were euthanized after tests detected rabies in three of them. Owner Misty Love explained that a wild skunk entered the pen on July 29; the skunk was shot and burned, and the goats were too young to be vaccinated.
North Carolina’s health department, which tests roughly 300 wildlife for rabies annually, said it has sufficient supplies of prophylaxis and is coordinating with the CDC and local authorities to identify all potentially exposed individuals. As of August 28, more than 320 people in the state had received PEP for various rabies exposures.
The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department, which handled a private event linked to the goats, declined to release specific details, urging anyone with concerns to contact the department directly.