I’m sipping my coffee and reading about a rabies outbreak in North Carolina, where several baby goats at a mobile petting zoo were infected with the disease. Authorities are now asking anyone who had contact with the animals to reach out to health officials, because, you know, rabies can be deadly if people don’t receive treatment before symptoms begin. I mean, who doesn’t love a good petting zoo, but rabies is no joke. The infected goats were part of Farm Adventures, a mobile petting zoo based in Iredell County, and they were taken to various events in western North Carolina between July 28 and August 27.
The story goes that the baby goats were kept in a separate pen because they were too young for vaccinations, and a skunk apparently got into the pen and bit them. But, at the time, the zoo had no idea and the animals showed no signs or symptoms of rabies. It wasn’t until a necropsy later revealed the infection that they knew something was wrong. The owner of Farm Adventures has been cooperating with the investigation, and the zoo has euthanized the infected goats.
According to local officials, there is not a broad risk to the public, only those who attended events at the mobile petting zoo and were in close contact with the goats are at risk. Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott is urging residents to call their local health department for a rabies risk assessment and potential treatment, saying “Residents should not wait for symptoms before calling.” I’m thinking, yeah, that’s probably a good idea, don’t wait until you’re foaming at the mouth to call for help.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is still investigating the cases, and they’re asking people to come forward if they think they might have been exposed. They’re also releasing information about potential exposure locations at public events, so if you attended the Masonic Picnic in Mocksville on August 15, or a private event near Hickory on August 9, you might want to give them a call.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, what’s the big deal about rabies? Well, let me tell you, it’s a virus that’s spread mainly through the saliva of infected animals, and it can be deadly if you don’t get treatment right away. The virus affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and once you start showing symptoms, it’s usually too late. So, if you think you might have been exposed, don’t wait, call your local health department and get checked out.
In conclusion, this rabies outbreak in North Carolina is a serious situation, and people need to take it seriously. If you attended any of the events where the infected goats were present, don’t wait, call your local health department and get checked out. And remember, rabies is preventable, but it requires vaccination or immediate medical attention after exposure. So, let’s all take a deep breath and hope that everyone who was exposed gets the help they need. And to the people of North Carolina, I say, bless your hearts, I hope you’re all okay. 🙏
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
