North Carolina petting zoo issues rabies exposure warning

Health officials in North Carolina are warning the public after at least three baby goats at Farm Adventures, a petting zoo in Harmony, tested positive for rabies. A fourth goat is also believed to be infected.

Authorities believe the goats were exposed to the virus by a skunk that entered their pen in late July. Because the goats were too young to be vaccinated, the facility has since euthanized the four animals to prevent further spread.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging anyone who had contact with the goats at the Harmony facility or the zoo’s mobile unit since July 28 to contact their local health department. Officials are assessing whether individuals require post-exposure treatment to prevent infection, which is nearly always fatal in humans if symptoms appear.