A potential rabies exposure is connected to a traveling petting zoo that visited Durham County twice this month.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is warning that four goats from the petting zoo tested positive for rabies. The zoo was in Durham County on Aug. 16 and Aug. 23 for separate private events, according to NCDHHS. 

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The zoo also made stops in Statesville, Lexington, Watauga County, Burke County and Mocksville between July 28 and Aug. 27. Public health officials are working with event organizers to notify those who might have had contact with the goats. In Lexington, the zoo was part of a back-to-school bash.

Known potential exposure dates and locations include: 

  • July 28: Jurney's Assisted Living, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County
    • July 30: Private event in Mecklenburg County
      • Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County
        • Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County
          • Aug. 8: Private event in Watauga County
            • Aug. 9: Private event in Burke County
              • Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County
                • Aug. 16: Private event in Durham County
                  • Aug. 22: Private event in Iredell County
                    • Aug. 23: Private event in Durham County  

                      NCDHHS said anyone who may have been impacted should contact their local health department. People who are concerned should call before going to an emergency department or urgent care clinic to find out whether treatment is needed and where it is available.

                      Farm Adventures, the traveling petting zoo that organized the events, said the goats were euthanized to prevent any further spread of the virus. The zoo said the goats had been bitten by a skunk, which led to the rabies diagnoses.

                      “The affected animals, our four precious baby goats, have been euthanized to prevent further spread,” the zoo said in a Facebook post. “We will be closely monitoring our remaining animals under the guidelines provided by health officials.”

                      The goats were named Molly, Maggie, Cow and Uno. Farm Adventures is based in Iredell County. No other animals were affected.

                      A call center has been set up to answer questions at 336-242-2371. Health officials said additional information will be released if the call center is needed on Sunday.