Several baby goats at a mobile petting zoo in North Carolina have tested positive for rabies, prompting health authorities across multiple counties to urge anyone who may have had close contact with the animals to seek advice from local health officials. Authorities are working to determine how many people may have been exposed and whether preventive treatment is necessary.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, possible exposure occurred between July 28 and August 27 at the petting zoo’s location in Harmony and at off-site events. Potentially affected sites include about 10 locations, among them an assisted living facility and a back-to-school event. Laboratory testing confirmed rabies in three of the goats, while officials believe a fourth animal was also infected.

Health officials believe the goats were probably exposed after a skunk entered their enclosure in late July. The mobile petting zoo is operated from Iredell County and regularly travels to nearby communities for events. The owner is cooperating with the investigation as officials work with event organizers and local health departments to identify people who may have come into contact with the animals.

Officials stressed that the situation does not represent a widespread public threat. The primary concern is for people who attended the affected petting zoo events and had close contact with the goats. Although North Carolina has not reported a human rabies case since 2011, the disease can be fatal once symptoms develop. Health officials therefore advise potentially exposed individuals not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical guidance and evaluation for preventive medication.