North Carolina health officials warn petting zoo visitors of rabies risk after four baby goats test positive
Dr Krista Edelman, the Richmond, Virginia gastroenterologist whose Instagram post about waking to find a bat in her mouth has since drawn more than 1.1 million views.A rabid bat — the animal at the centre of Dr Krista Edelman's alarming ordeal — tested negative for rabies, allowing her to discontinue her preventive vaccine course.
North Carolina health authorities are urging anyone who handled baby goats at Farm Adventures, a travelling petting zoo, to reach out to their local health department following the animals' positive rabies tests. The zoo appeared at events across at least seven counties between 28 July and 27 August, among them a back-to-school bash in Lexington and two private events in Durham County. Officials warn that children and elderly people were among those potentially exposed, and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Farm Adventures says the four goats — Molly, Maggie, Cow and Uno — were too young to have been vaccinated when an undetected skunk bite infected them.
Once rabies symptoms appear the disease is almost always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is highly effective if sought promptly before symptoms develop.
A dedicated call centre has been set up on 336-242-2371 for those concerned about contact with the animals.
