North Carolina Family Exposed to Rabid Goats at Petting Zoo Party

When Jenna’s six‑year‑old birthday turned into a nightmare, she never imagined it would involve a herd of goats and a potential rabies outbreak. The family had been invited to a community petting zoo in Fayetteville, N.C., for a small celebration. What should have been a handful of photos and goat‑petting turned into a scramble for medical help after a veterinarian confirmed that several of the goats were rabid.

“I still hear the kids laughing and then, all of a sudden, the goats started acting strange,” Jenna, 38, told NBC News. “One of the goats lunged at my son, and the next thing we knew, the local health department was on the phone telling us we needed a doctor’s appointment ASAP.”

According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, the goats had shown signs of rabies—aggressive behavior, foaming at the mouth, and a lack of fear of humans—just days before the party. The animals were quickly quarantined and later euthanized, but not before many children and adults had brushed against them or been licked.

State officials have now recommended that more than 250 individuals who were at the venue receive post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP involves a series of rabies vaccinations given over two weeks, and it’s the only way to prevent the virus from taking hold after a possible exposure.

“Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so the protocol is to treat anyone with any possible contact, no matter how brief,” said Dr. Laura McKinney, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health. “In this case, the risk assessment was straightforward—goats were confirmed rabid, and many people had direct contact.”

Jenna’s family, like many others, received the first dose of the vaccine at a local urgent‑care clinic. “The shot was painful, but I felt relief knowing we were doing everything we could,” she said. “I just wish we’d known the risk before the party.”

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety at petting zoos, especially those that feature farm animals known to carry zoonotic diseases. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture is now reviewing licensing procedures for temporary animal exhibits, and several local municipalities are considering stricter guidelines for petting‑zoo events.

While the immediate health threat appears to be under control, the emotional impact on the families involved lingers. “It’s hard to shake the image of those goats,” Jenna admits. “I’m just grateful we caught it early enough to get treatment. I hope other parents learn from our experience and ask the right questions before bringing their kids to similar events.”