The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that three baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony petting zoo have tested positive for rabies, with a fourth suspected case. The goats were exposed to the virus by a skunk that entered their pen in late July, when they were too young to receive vaccinations. According to health officials, anyone who came into contact with the affected animals may have been exposed and should contact their local health department for treatment. Approximately 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies each year after possible exposure, although fewer than 10 deaths from the virus are reported in the US annually.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-31,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Three baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, a North Carolina petting zoo, have tested positive for rabies, with a fourth believed to be infected. The animals were likely exposed to the virus by a skunk that entered their pen in late July. State officials warn people who came into contact with the goats between then and now may have been exposed and should contact their local health department to determine if they need medication to prevent infection. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was first notified of the potential rabies exposure on Thursday, and lab confirmation came on Saturday.
Written for “Rabies Outbreak at Petting Zoo” on 2026-08-31,
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No political leaning scored for article 3341 · logged 2026-08-31
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.
uncertain
they → pet → animals
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.
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goats → say → virus
A fourth has not been tested but health officials assumed it had also been infected.
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it → test → ?
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.
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had → say → facility
"Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection," the NCDHHS said in a statement.
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NCDHHS → contact → 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."
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it → encourage → department
Farm Adventures said on its Facebook page that the four animals have been euthanized.
"
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animals → say → page
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.
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it → work → animals
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.
uncertain
skunk → accord → 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.
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it → say → them
"WE HAD NO CLUE THE GOATS HAD GOTTEN [BIT]," Farm Adventures said, adding that the animals showed no sign of infection.
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animals → have → infection
"These past few days have been incredibly difficult for us, and we appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time," it said.
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it → appreciate → time
"If you have been in contact with the affected animals, please be aware that the health department will be reaching out to you.
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department → reach → you
"
Rabies is a fatal yet preventable virus that is spread from animals to people via bites and scratches, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
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Centers → spread → Control
Rabies poses a "serious public health threat," it said, though fewer than 10 deaths are reported in the United States each year.
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deaths → pose → States
About 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies after a possible exposure each year, it said.
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it → vaccinate → exposure
