A disturbing rabies scare is unfolding in North Carolina after several baby goats from a popular mobile petting zoo tested positive for the deadly virus — potentially exposing visitors at events held over an entire month.
Health officials are warning anyone who visited Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina, or came into contact with its animals at off-site events between July 28 and August 27 to take the situation seriously.
Three baby goats from the petting zoo tested positive for rabies, while a fourth was presumed to have been infected, according to health officials.
Authorities have identified 10 separate events where visitors may have come into close contact with the goats, including a back-to-school celebration and an event held at an assisted-living facility.
Officials stressed that the danger is limited to people who actually interacted closely with the animals.
“There is not a broad risk to the public—only those who attended events at the mobile petting zoo and were in close contact with the goats are at risk,” health officials said.
Investigators believe the frightening outbreak may have started after a rabid skunk entered the goats’ enclosure in late July.
Because rabies can be fatal once symptoms develop, authorities are urging anyone who may have been exposed not to wait until they feel sick before seeking medical advice.
“Residents should not wait for symptoms before calling,” Mecklenburg County Health Director Kimberly Scott warned.
Farm Adventures later confirmed the heartbreaking fate of the animals, saying its “4 precious baby goats” had been euthanized.
The company said staff members are now closely watching the rest of the animals while following instructions from health officials.
Rabies is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Prompt treatment following a possible exposure can prevent the disease from developing.
Anyone who attended one of the affected events and had close contact with the goats is being urged to contact local health officials or a medical provider as soon as possible.