Potential Rabies Exposure Alert: Mobile Petting Zoo
The Iredell County Health Department (ICHD), in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, is notifying the public of potential rabies exposure linked to a local mobile petting zoo operating out of Harmony, NC.
Three baby goats associated with Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo have tested positive for the rabies virus following an exposure incident involving a skunk on the farm in late July. The owner of the facility has been fully cooperative with state and county officials. All remaining animals on the farm have been placed under an official quarantine as a precautionary measure.
While rabies transmission from livestock carries a lower overall risk than bites from wild vectors, the virus is transmitted through saliva. Because baby goats are frequently bottle-fed, handled closely, or cuddled, public health officials are working proactively to ensure anyone who had direct contact with the affected animals is evaluated.
Public health officials are evaluating potential exposure events occurring between July 28, 2026, and August 27, 2026. During this window, the mobile petting zoo traveled to public and private events across several North Carolina counties.
If you or a family member attended an event hosted by this mobile petting zoo during the period of interest, please contact Iredell County Health Department After-Hours Emergency Line at 704-878-3037. Following a public health assessment during this call, you will be directed on how and where to receive rabies prophylaxis.
The Iredell County Health Department is monitoring this evolving situation closely alongside state partners and will share additional updates or event-specific locations as investigation details are confirmed.
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