North Carolina warns of rabies exposure after mobile petting zoo goats test positive

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina health officials warned that baby goats from a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies and may have exposed people at off-site events, Fox News reported.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the goats belonged to Farm Adventures, based in Harmony. Anyone who had contact with the zoo's baby goats at the Harmony site or at events between July 28 and Aug. 27 should contact a local health department to see whether preventive treatment is needed.

Farm Adventures said four goats - Molly, Maggie, Cow and Uno - contracted rabies after a skunk entered their pen and were euthanized. The goats were too young for vaccination when the skunk got in. Staff removed the skunk but did not know the goats had been bitten. The animals showed no symptoms at first. One later went for a necropsy, and the state public health lab confirmed rabies.

Officials said the mobile zoo attended events that included children and older adults across multiple counties. Organizers are being notified as the investigation continues.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prompt post-exposure shots prevent the disease. The virus spreads mainly through bites or scratches from infected animals such as bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes. About 100,000 Americans get preventive rabies shots each year after possible exposure. North Carolina has not reported a human rabies case since 2011, NCDHHS said.

If you or a grandchild pet those goats during the window, do not wait for symptoms. Call the local health department and describe the contact. Wash any wound with soap and water while you seek advice.