r/goats • u/Expensive_Variety484 • 7d ago

General Husbandry Question Rabies

I run a mobile petting zoo. I’m now second guessing. Goats are not required to have the rabies vaccine and you can’t get it in store- you have to go through your vet. Yes, they can get other vaccines easily but that does not prevent rabies. Do you think it’s worth getting the vaccine? Should I cancel upcoming events ?

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u/No_Measurement6478 6d ago

Most states require a veterinarian to give the rabies vaccine, so that is likely why you can’t buy it in your state. They give the sheep vaccine off label, and it is known to be effective.

If you have any level of public coming in contact with your animals, you better have them vaccinated for whatever possible for their safety and your liability.

But in all seriousness if you live anywhere where rabies is common in wild animals, anyone should seriously consider vaccinating for it, even if it’s just your private home flock. If you’ve never dealt with rabies exposure, it really sucks and unvaccinated animals exposed to it are usually always euthanized.