Public Health Alert: Rabies Outbreak Linked to Petting Zoo in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a public health warning following confirmed cases of rabies in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo. Lab results have verified that three baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, Iredell County, tested positive for rabies on August 28. An additional goat is suspected of being infected.

Incident Details

Officials indicate that the exposure occurred in late July when a skunk entered the goats’ pen. Farm Adventures, via a Facebook post, explained that the baby goats were housed separately and were too young for vaccinations. The skunk incident led to the goats being bitten, though there were no rabies symptoms evident. The farm was unaware of the bites and invested heavily in veterinary care.

No other animals at Farm Adventures are considered at risk, and they do not pose a threat to public safety. Investigations are ongoing.

Notification and Contact Tracing

Health officials urge individuals who had direct interactions with the baby goats between July 28 and August 27 at Farm Adventures or off-site events to contact their local health department promptly. Exposure at several locations may have occurred, including:

• July 28: Jurney’s Assisted Living, Statesville, Iredell County
• July 30: Private event, Mecklenburg County
• Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, lexington, Davidson County
• Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, Statesville, Iredell County
• Aug. 8: Private event, Watauga County
• Aug. 9: Private event, Burke County
• Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, Mocksville, Davie County
• Aug. 16: Private event, Durham County
• Aug. 22: Private event, Iredell County
• Aug. 23: Private event, Durham County

Individuals who attended these events should contact health authorities or medical providers prior to visiting urgent care or emergency services for appropriate preventive treatment.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a deadly virus affecting the central nervous system, although human cases in the U.S. are rare. North Carolina has not seen a case since 2011. The CDC reports about 1.4 million Americans undergo evaluations for potential exposure annually, with fewer than 10 resultant deaths due to effective prevention measures.

Wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, and foxes, are major rabies carriers. Skunks pose a significant rabies risk across the Midwest and West.

The virus transmits through infected saliva, usually from bites or scratches. Early symptoms, resembling the flu, include weakness, fever, and headaches. As the infection worsens, symptoms manifest as:

• Furious rabies: Involves hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, and cardio-respiratory arrest, leading to death in days.
• Paralytic rabies: Gradually paralyzes, starting at the infection site, advancing to coma and ultimately death.

Rabies, though extremely hazardous, is preventable with timely vaccination and medical intervention. Post-exposure treatment, comprising wound washing, rabies immune globulin, and a rabies vaccine, is effective if administered shortly after exposure.

Outcome for the Infected Goats

The infected goats were named Molly, Maggie, Cow, and Uno. To avert further transmission, the animals were euthanized.

“We want to be transparent about this distressing event. The affected animals, our four precious baby goats, have been euthanized to prevent further spread,” Farm Adventures wrote on Facebook.

The farm will monitor remaining animals closely, adhering to guidelines set by health officials.