What health experts are saying after rabid goats discovered in NC
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- Three goats from a mobile petting zoo called Farm Adventures in North Carolina tested positive for rabies, with a fourth presumed infected, potentially exposing dozens of people across seven counties since late July.
- Health officials are urging anyone who had contact with the goats, especially at two Durham County events, to contact local health departments due to the risk of rabies transmission through bites or contact with open wounds.
- Veterinarian Michael Martin highlighted the challenge of no labeled rabies vaccines for goats and suggested discussing off-label vaccine use to manage public health risks in such situations.
- State officials believe the goats contracted rabies from a skunk that entered their pen, leading to the euthanasia of the infected animals to prevent further spread.
- Families exposed to the goats, like that of Kristie Jo Schutt, experienced significant fear and uncertainty, prompting calls for stricter regulations on private animal contact events to better protect the public.
