Rabies Scare From Petting Zoo
Nearly 300 People May Have Been Exposed to Rabies From Petting Zoo Goats
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Nearly 300 people in North Carolina may have been exposed to rabies after visiting a mobile petting zoo operated by Farm Adventures in Harmony. WDAM reported that three baby goats tested positive for rabies, with a fourth strongly suspected of carrying the virus. The infected animals traveled to 10 locations across the state between late July and August 27 before officials discovered the outbreak.
Health officials believe a skunk that entered the goats' pen in late July caused the infection. Fox Carolina confirmed that over 200 people have been advised to receive rabies vaccines, and all four infected goats have been euthanized. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making the rapid vaccine response critical.
How the Goats Got Infected
Farm Adventures operates baby goats too young to receive rabies vaccines. In late July, a skunk breached the enclosure and bit the four kids. The farm owners did not realize the animals had been exposed to rabies at the time. KALB reported that the goats were housed separately from mature farm animals, which remained unaffected by the outbreak.
A 31-Day Tour Across North Carolina
The infected goats traveled on a statewide mobile tour from July 28 through August 27. WAFF confirmed the tour stopped at 10 different locations, including events in Iredell, Davidson, Watauga, Burke, Davie, Mecklenburg, and Durham counties. Public events, senior facilities, and private gatherings all hosted the petting zoo during this window.
Nearly 300 people have been evaluated for possible exposure. Health officials immediately euthanized all four goats once rabies was confirmed on August 28. The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and state agriculture officials now track down everyone who touched the animals to offer rabies post-exposure vaccines.
Why Rabies Vaccines Are Urgent
Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once a person develops symptoms. Kolo reported that over 200 people have been advised to receive post-exposure prophylaxis—a series of rabies vaccine shots plus rabies immune globulin. These shots must begin before symptoms appear to work. Anyone who handled the baby goats between July 28 and August 27 must contact their local health department immediately.
Farm Operations and Response
Farm Adventures stated on Facebook that it is cooperating fully with public health officials and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The operator emphasized that the four infected kids were housed separately from the rest of the farm, and that no other animals pose a risk. Hawaii News Now confirmed that state officials have verified no additional farm animals are infected or exposed.
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