Catawba County News
Party attendees may be exposed to rabies
Published: August 28, 2026
MOBILE PETTING ZOO EVENT MAY HAVE LED TO POTENTIAL RABIES EXPOSURES
HICKORY (Catawba County) – On Friday, August 28, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services notified Catawba County Public Health that several goats associated with a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies.
As of late Friday afternoon, there had not been any potential Catawba County locations identified in the investigation; however, the petting zoo was at an event on August 9, 2026, in Burke County on Miller Mills Road, Hickory. Given the proximity to our county, Catawba County residents may have attended that event and come in contact with the goats while they were potentially infectious.
Because rabies is transmitted through an infected animal’s saliva, we are asking any Catawba County resident who attended that event and touched, held, fed or came in contact with these goats to call our Communicable Disease Nurses at (828) 695-5769.
“Although very few people in Catawba County likely came in contact with these particular goats, it is important that anyone who did get in touch with us,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken, RN, BSN, MPA. “Rabies is not a disease we can take risks with because it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.”
People who have potentially been exposed to rabies are generally advised to immediately receive rabies prophylaxis. This step is important because it prevents symptoms from developing after exposure.
Because this was a single, private event, there is not a risk to the broader public. As the investigation is ongoing, there may be additional locations identified.
“Petting zoos are a popular attraction for young children and adults alike. This situation serves as a poignant reminder that human contact with animals carries with it the risk of numerous diseases,” said McCracken. “Although it’s not a perfect solution, thorough handwashing with soap and water is the best way to prevent accidental spread of diseases from animals to humans.”
Catawba County Public Health is working closely with NCDHHS and other local health departments to determine the scope of the potential exposures and mount a collaborative response.