Petting zoo owner speaks out after goats were euthanized following rabies infection

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo in Iredell County.

“These goats are my life. My animals are my life,” said Misty Love, the owner of Farm Adventures.

The last 48 hours have been a nightmare for her. She has operated her zoo for a year and a half.

“Everybody that knows me knows my animals are the most important thing in the world to me, so it’s hard,” Love said.

The Department of Health and Services said that four baby goats tested positive for rabies. To prevent further spread, the goats were euthanized.

The department said that families who attended the traveling petting zoo between July 28 and Aug. 27 should contact their health department to see if treatment is necessary.

“It was a skunk,” Love said. “It went through the holes. We don’t know and it’s devastating.”

Experts say that baby goats cannot be vaccinated against rabies. Love said that the babies were kept in a pen to prevent any wild animal contact.

She said the goats were jumping around and playing and didn’t get sprayed, so she thought they were fine.

Love said several weeks later, a couple of the goats got sick, but they were not showing the traditional signs of rabies.

She said all her animals and people who work at the farm have gotten a rabies booster. Love urges others to do the same.

“I told her for my peace of mind and your peace of mind, go get vaccinated,” said Love. “I highly recommend them to go get vaccinated.”

She said the New York Times and CNN have called and that she’s getting beaten up on social media when all she wanted to do is share her love of animals with the public.

“A nightmare,” Love said. “When somebody tries to do a good deed and do what’s right for the public and get trashed constantly, it’s hard.”

The petting zoo has been placed on quarantine.

Rebecca Lanning says her son came face to face with the goats. She told ABC News what went through her mind when she got the warning.

“At first, I thought it was a joke,” she said. “Then reality set in as to how serious this situation was, and I panicked.”

Health officials are urging anyone who may have come into contact with the goats between July 28 and Aug. 27 to call their local health department for treatment information.

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