Western North Carolina families who visited the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo this summer may have been exposed to rabies. Health officials say only those who had close contact with the four infant goats that tested positive are at risk, and they should seek medical evaluation without waiting for symptoms.
What happened
Between July 28 and August 27, Farm Adventures set up a traveling petting zoo in several counties, including events in Harmony, Mocksville, near Hickory, and Lexington. During that period, four baby goats were found to be infected with the rabies virus. The animals were too young to receive standard vaccinations and were kept in a separate pen.
According to Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott, a coordinated statewide investigation is underway to determine the full scope of exposure. “What’s important is that we don’t wait for the onset of symptoms when it is more difficult to treat and often most fatal,” she said.
Public‑health response
Officials are urging anyone who attended any of the listed events and had direct contact with the goats—such as petting, feeding, or handling—to call their local health department immediately. Health departments will assess each individual’s exposure risk and, if warranted, provide post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a highly effective rabies treatment when administered promptly.
Dr. Scott indicated that local hospitals currently have sufficient supplies of PEP and that state health authorities are prepared to acquire additional doses if needed. “We are positioned to acquire access to more as needed as we learn more information,” she added.
Farm Adventures’ response
Farm Adventures owner Misty Love said the four goats were euthanized after a necropsy confirmed rabies infection. She also disclosed that a wild skunk was found in the goat enclosure on July 29; the skunk was shot and burned. While the goats showed no visible bite marks, one died on August 19 and another became ill and was euthanized the following day.
“I care about my community, and I care about my customers,” Love told CNN. “If my customers that saw my animals have questions, I’m going to be there for them.” The company says the remaining animals are being closely monitored under health‑official guidance.
Understanding rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. In the United States, human deaths from rabies are rare—fewer than ten per year—but the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Transmission typically occurs through the saliva of an infected animal via a bite, but scratches or direct contact with mucous membranes can also spread the virus.
After exposure, the incubation period can last weeks to months. During this time, the infected person usually shows no symptoms. Early flu‑like signs may appear later, followed by severe neurological symptoms that lead to death if untreated. Prompt administration of PEP after exposure is critical to prevent the disease.
What residents should do
Anyone who attended a Farm Adventures event and touched, fed, or was otherwise in close proximity to the baby goats should contact their county health department without delay. Health officials will determine whether PEP is necessary based on the nature of the contact.
Local health departments in Iredell, Davie, Catawba, Burke, Davidson, and Mecklenburg counties have been alerted and are working with the state to reach out to event participants. Additional information about exposure locations will be released as it becomes available.
Looking ahead
The investigation continues as state officials seek to identify any additional exposure sites and ensure that all potentially affected individuals receive appropriate care. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through their local health department updates.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
