Potential Rabies Exposure in Davidson County

DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. – The Davidson County Health Department is alerting the public about a possible rabies exposure linked to a traveling petting zoo that was part of a community event earlier this month.

Health authorities reported that four goats from the petting zoo at the Community Connections event at Breeden Amphitheater in Lexington, which took place on August 1, tested positive for rabies.

The department has advised anyone who attended the event and interacted with a baby goat to reach out for a risk assessment.

Farm Adventures, the organization behind the petting zoo, announced that the goats were euthanized to curb any further transmission of the virus. The zoo indicated that the goats had been bitten by a skunk, which prompted the rabies diagnosis.

“The animals in question, our four beloved baby goats, have been euthanized to prevent further spread,” the zoo noted in a Facebook update. “We will keep a close watch on our other animals as per health officials’ guidance.”

The goats were named Molly, Maggie, Cow, and Uno, and Farm Adventures is located in Iredell County.

A call center has been established at 336-242-2371 for inquiries.

The hotline will be available on:

• Friday, August 28, until 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Health officials mentioned that more information will be provided if the call center is necessary on Sunday.