Rabies alert issued after infected goats visit Durham County events, officials say
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- State health officials are warning the public after rabid goats from a mobile petting zoo may have exposed people to the virus at events across North Carolina, including two in Durham County.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats from Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo, based in Iredell County.
Officials said four baby goats were likely exposed to rabies after a skunk entered their pen. The animals may have had direct contact with members of the public between July 28 and Aug. 27 while traveling to events in multiple counties.
Health officials are urging anyone who had direct contact with the goats to contact their local health department to determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is needed.
"The concern is really only if you visited the petting zoo and if you had direct contact with the goats," said Dr. David Weber, associate chief medical officer at UNC Medical Center.
Rabies is a virus spread through the saliva of infected animals and is almost always fatal to animals once symptoms begin.
"People who hugged or kissed the goats or the goats were licking them; those are potential ways of transmitting rabies," Weber said.
The state said no human rabies cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011.
The alert has prompted concern among some animal attraction operators, though others emphasize the importance of safety measures already in place.
Amanda Avery, who runs Avery Family Farms in Durham County, said her goats receive annual vaccinations and are kept behind fencing designed to keep wildlife away.
"They aren't hand-fed ever, only fed in bowls," Avery said. "They don't look to us as food. They don't jump, bite or nibble. They're really calm."
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Avery said she hopes the rabies alert does not discourage people from participating in safe animal experiences.
"Getting out in nature is the quickest way to reconnect with yourself, reconnect with your body, soothe your mind and bring calm to your children," Avery said. "Animals are an amazing way to do that."
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact their local health department for guidance.
