Rabid goats at North Carolina petting zoo may have exposed visitors
USA Today
Last updated: August 31, 2026
North Carolina officials have alerted the public about potential rabies exposure following positive rabies tests in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo. Visitors who interacted with the animals may require post-exposure prophylaxis.
- A mobile petting zoo in North Carolina is the subject of a public health warning due to rabid baby goats. Health officials confirmed that the goats tested positive for rabies.
- Visitors who had direct contact with the goats, or were potentially exposed through saliva or nervous tissue, are advised to seek medical attention. This includes situations where the animals may have licked an open wound or broken skin.
- The affected goats were part of a mobile petting zoo that visited various locations, prompting a broader public health alert. Specific details regarding the locations and dates of the zoo's visits have been disseminated by health departments.
- Individuals who interacted with the goats and are unsure about their exposure risk should consult with their healthcare provider or local health department. Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing rabies if administered promptly after exposure. Health officials are working to identify all potential contacts and ensure appropriate guidance is provided.
