Goat in Nobles County

Two days before its death, a billy goat in Nobles County was observed by its owner to be ‘slow’ with a swollen rear leg. The owner had lost another billy goat with similar signs earlier in the week. After the second goat died, it was submitted for testing and found to be positive for rabies on January 31.

No exposure to a rabid animal was observed by the owners. Goats and other animals on the farm are under observation. The farmer has been advised to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to his contact with the goat.

Rabies in sheep or goats is reported infrequently in Minnesota with the last report in 2004.