Family Exposed to Rabies After Mobile Petting Zoo Event in North Carolina
Health officials are investigating rabies exposure linked to a mobile petting zoo that visited a Durham family on Aug. 16, after several baby goats tested positive for the virus.
A Durham family that hired a mobile petting zoo for a private event on Aug. 16 may have been exposed to rabies, officials said. The zoo, Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo, brought several baby goats to the gathering, where more than 30 guests interacted with the animals.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Durham County Department of Public Health launched an investigation after multiple goats tested positive for rabies. The agencies warned that anyone who had contact with the baby goats between July 28 and Aug. 27 at the farm’s primary location in Harmony or at mobile events in other counties should contact local health authorities to assess exposure risk.
"Farm Adventures was present at two events within Durham County. As part of our response, we contacted the hosts of these events to determine who was present, learn how to reach them, and assess their exposure risk," a DCoDPH spokesperson said.
A Farm Adventures spokesperson expressed regret, noting the company’s goal is to bring joy to families and that they were unaware of any rabies risk. After one goat showed symptoms, veterinarians examined the herd but could not identify the cause until the animal was euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
The family’s organizer, 23-year-old Tatiana Villatoro, said she learned of the outbreak from a friend’s online link and sought medical care before being contacted by health officials. She later provided the names and contact information of all event guests to the health department, which is reaching out to them with guidance.
Health officials emphasize that rabies is a fatal virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, and that prompt post-exposure treatment—including rabies immune globulin and a series of vaccine doses—is essential.
The investigation continues, with authorities confirming that, to date, only the baby goats have tested positive and that no human cases have been reported.