NC Rabies Warning: Petting Zoo Goats Test Positive for Rabies

The Scope of Exposure Across North Carolina Counties

The NCDHHS reported that Farm Adventures traveled to off-site gatherings across multiple counties during the potential exposure window, interacting with vulnerable populations including children and elderly individuals. State and local agencies are actively notifying event organizers and participants.

According to WBTV, health officials released a specific timeline of ten potential exposure dates and locations:

• July 28: Jurney’s Assisted Living, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County
• July 30: Private event in Mecklenburg County
• Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County
• Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County
• Aug. 8: Private event in Watauga County
• Aug. 9: Private event in Burke County (Catawba County officials noted this included an event on Miller Mills Road in Hickory)
• Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County
• Aug. 16: Private event in Durham County
• Aug. 22: Private event in Iredell County
• Aug. 23: Private event in Durham County

Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Rabies is a serious illness that is almost always fatal, so it’s important for residents who may have been exposed to take immediate steps to protect health,” Dr. Scott stated, adding, “Parents and caregivers should call on behalf of children who may have interacted with the goats. Residents should not wait for symptoms before calling.”

How the Farm Adventures Goats Contracted Rabies

Farm Adventures shared details of the incident in a public statement on Facebook, identifying the four affected baby goats as Molly, Maggie, Cow, and Uno. According to the petting zoo, the young animals were housed in a separate pen away from older livestock and were too young to receive routine rabies vaccinations.

A wild skunk entered the pen and bit the goats. The petting zoo removed the skunk but remained unaware at the time that the animals had contracted the virus. According to Farm Adventures, “They showed no sign or symptoms of rabies.”

The issue came to light after a veterinarian investigated the declining health of one animal, prompting a necropsy. Subsequent testing at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed positive rabies results for multiple goats.

“We are working closely with public health officials, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and animal control to address this issue and ensure the safety of our animals and clients,” Farm Adventures stated, noting that the four goats were humanely euthanized to prevent any further spread of the virus.

The owners expressed grief over the ordeal, writing in their social media update, “We want to be transparent about this distressing event. The affected animals, our four precious baby goats, have been euthanized to prevent further spread.” They added, “These past few days have been incredibly difficult for us, and we appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time.” Responding to community comments online, the operators reiterated their regret: “I am truly concerned about anyone that has been able to enjoy our animals. We would NEVER intend to put anyone in danger.”

Medical Risks and Public Health Protocol

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if individuals do not secure medical treatment prior to the onset of symptoms. The virus spreads primarily through bites, scratches, or contact with infected saliva from animals such as bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes.

Data from the CDC indicates that roughly 100,000 Americans undergo rabies vaccination procedures each year following potential exposures. While human infections remain exceedingly rare in the United States—with NCDHHS reporting no human cases in North Carolina since 2011—health authorities continue to treat any confirmed animal exposure with strict precautionary measures.

In a separate incident reported by Mecklenburg County health officials on the same day as the petting zoo alert, a bat tested positive for rabies near Ballantyne Lake Road in Charlotte, prompting an additional public health warning for anyone potentially exposed to that animal.