What health experts are saying after rabid goats discovered in NC - WRAL
North Carolina health officials are investigating potential rabies exposure after three goats from a mobile petting zoo tested positive for the virus. Dozens of people who interacted with the animals are being advised to contact health departments for potential treatment.
Why it matters
This incident highlights public health risks associated with animal-human contact and the challenges of managing zoonotic diseases in public settings.
When you think of rabid animals, maybe raccoons or opossums come to mind. But goats?
State health officials say three goats tested positive for rabies last week . Another is presumed to have been infected.
The goats were part of a mobile petting zoo called Farm Adventures.
Dozens of people may have been exposed across seven North Carolina counties dating back to July 28. Two events tied to the possible exposure happened in Durham County, where health officials say fewer than 60 people have reported possible exposures to the baby goats.
Veterinarian Michael Martin is urging anyone who came into contact with the goats to call their local health department.
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