There is an alert in several counties in North Carolina due to the possible exposure to the rabies virus of attendees at public and private events of a mobile zoo in Iredell County, where four goats were infected with the virus.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported that the exposure of the people occurred between July 28 and August 27, at events held in Iredell, Mecklenburg, Davidson, Watauga, Burke, Davie and Durham counties.
Authorities were notified on August 27
Health officials reported that both the NCDHHS and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) were first notified on August 27 about the possible rabies exposure of four goat kids at the Farm Adventures mobile zoo in Harmony, Iredell County.
The department indicated that the goats had most likely been exposed to rabies by a skunk that had entered the corral where they were at the end of July.
Subsequently, the North Carolina State Public Health Laboratory confirmed on August 28 that the goat kids tested positive for the rabies virus and that, to prevent further spread, they had to be euthanized.
“Since then, officials from NCDHHS and NCDA&CS have been working with the farm and have impacted local health departments to gather information on possible dates and locations of animal exposure,” the department said.
According to information gathered on August 28, the department determined that no other animals on the farm pose a risk of rabies exposure to people.
What do you recommend?
The NCDHHS warned that anyone who had contact with the Farm Adventures mobile zoo goats, either at its location in Harmony, or at an off-site event, between July 28 and August 27, may have been exposed while the animals were infected.
The affected people must contact the local health department to determine if medication is required to prevent infection.
"People are advised to call before going to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic to find out if treatment is necessary and where it can be accessed," the department said.
Dates and locations of possible exhibition
Known possible exhibition dates and locations include public and private events held in Iredell, Mecklenburg, Davidson, Watauga, Burke, Davie, and Durham counties. Details with dates and locations of the events are provided below:
- 28 July: Jurney's Assisted Living: 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County
- August 1: Community Connections Back to School Party, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County
- August 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County
- August 8: Private event in Watauga County
- August 9: Private event in Burke County
- 1August 5: Masonic Picnic Areas, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County
- August 16: Private event in County Durham
- August 22: Private event in Iredell County
- August 23: Private event in County Durham
People who may have been exposed will be notified.
Public health authorities reported that they are working with the organizers of the various events to notify attendees who may have had contact with the infected goats.
“This investigation is ongoing and additional information about potential exposure locations at public events will be released when it becomes available,” the department announced.
Although transmission of rabies from livestock carries a lower risk than that from bites by wild animals, it is still possible that people have been exposed to the virus through the saliva of an infected animal.
“Because the goats are frequently bottle-fed, handled closely, or cuddled, public health officials are working proactively to ensure that anyone who has had direct contact with the affected animals is evaluated,” the department said.
What is rabies and how is it transmitted?
Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from wild animals to pets and people, mainly through a bite, a scratch, or when infected saliva touches broken skin or mucous membranes.
Rabies infections in humans are extremely rare in the United States. No human cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011.
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It's a deadly virus
Rabies is almost always fatal in mammals, including humans, unless medication or the vaccine is administered after exposure to prevent infection before symptoms appear, which could be fatal.
“Parents and caregivers should call on behalf of any children who have interacted with the goats. Residents should not wait for symptoms to appear before calling,” urged Dr. Kimberly Scott, Mecklenburg County Health Director.
In 2025, more than 4,000 animals were sent to the North Carolina State Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing, and of these, approximately 6% tested positive.
In North Carolina, the disease occurs most frequently in wild animals, especially skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
Symptoms can begin weeks or months after exposure. The first symptoms are flu-like illnesses, including weakness, fever, or headache, as well as a tingling or itching sensation at the bite or exposure site.
For more information about this virus, please visit the NCDHHS rage page.
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