Rabies Outbreak Linked to Mobile Petting Zoo in Western North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that four baby goats—Molly, Maggie, Cow and Uno—from the traveling “Farm Adventures” petting zoo tested positive for rabies. The animals, kept in a separate pen because they were too young for vaccination, were euthanized after a necropsy revealed infection. The outbreak was traced to a wild skunk found in the enclosure on July 29, which was shot and burned. Residents of Caldwell County who had contact with the goats at the Harmony location or at off-site events between July 28 and August 27 have been urged to contact health officials for a risk assessment.

WRALCNNRabies Cases Confirmed at Mobile Petting Zoo

Rabies is a viral disease spread primarily through the saliva of infected mammals, most often via bites but also through scratches or contact with mucous membranes. In 2025, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health received over 4,000 animal specimens for rabies testing, with approximately 6 % returning positive results. The disease is almost always fatal in mammals, including people, unless post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered before symptom onset. Human rabies cases are extremely rare in the United States; the state has reported none since 2011, and fewer than 10 deaths occur nationwide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CNNRabies Cases Confirmed at Mobile Petting Zoo

Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott emphasized the urgency of seeking treatment promptly: “What’s important is that we don’t wait for the onset of symptoms when it is more difficult to treat and often most fatal,” — Dr. Kimberly Scott, county health director She noted that county communicable-disease teams are coordinating with state officials to identify all exposure sites and that sufficient PEP supplies are currently available, with additional access being arranged as needed. The health department has established a call center for residents to obtain a rabies risk assessment.

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Owner Misty Love said the four “precious baby goats” were euthanized to prevent further spread and that the remaining animals are being closely monitored under health-official guidelines. She added: “I care about my community, and I care about my customers,” — Misty Love, the owner of Farm Adventures and “If my customers that saw my animals have questions, I’m going to be there for them.” — Misty Love, the owner of Farm Adventures Love also indicated that the goats showed no signs of rabies before the skunk incident and that one goat died on August 19.

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• “What’s important is that we don’t wait for the onset of symptoms when it is more difficult to treat and often most fatal,” — Dr. Kimberly Scott, county health director

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• “I care about my community, and I care about my customers,” — Misty Love, the owner of Farm Adventures

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• “If my customers that saw my animals have questions, I’m going to be there for them.” — Misty Love, the owner of Farm Adventures

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