Aug. 31 (UPI) — At least three baby goats at a North Carolina petting zoo have tested positive for rabies and a fourth is believed to have contracted the virus, state officials said over the weekend, as they warn those who have come into contact with the animals that they may have been exposed
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement it was first notified of a potential rabies exposure at Farm Adventures in Harmony on Thursday, and the North Carolina State laboratory of Public Health confirmed Saturday that three baby goats had contracted the virus. A fourth has not been tested but health officials assumed it had also been infected
The officials said they believed the goats were exposed to rabies by a skunk that entered their pen in late July, and are warning anyone who had contact with the goats at its Harmony facility or its mobile petting zoo since then could have been exposed
“Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection,” the NCDHHS said in a statement
“Individuals are encouraged to call before visiting an emergency department or urgent care clinic to determine if treatment is needed and where it can be accessed.”
Farm Adventures said on its Facebook page that the four animals have been euthanized
“We are working closely with public health officials, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and animal control to address this issue and ensure the safety of our animals and clients,” it said
According to the petting zoo, the goats were kept in a separate pen and were too young to receive their vaccinations when the skunk was found in their pen
It said that while they were able to remove and “dispose” of the skunk, it was later learned that it was able to bite them
“WE HAD NO CLUE THE GOATS HAD GOTTEN [BIT],” Farm Adventures said, adding that the animals showed no sign of infection
“These past few days have been incredibly difficult for us, and we appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time,” it said
“If you have been in contact with the affected animals, please be aware that the health department will be reaching out to you.”
Rabies is a fatal yet preventable virus that is spread from animals to peopled Prevention said
Rabies poses a “serious public health threat,” it said, though fewer than 10 deaths are reported in the United States each year
About 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies after a possible exposure each year, it said
