CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A popular summer attraction at Bever Park is temporarily closing after a contagious virus was identified among the goats at Old MacDonald’s Farm.
The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department reported Thursday, May 29, 2025, that a case of ORF, also known as sore mouth disease, was identified at the Bever Park Zoo petting farm at 2700 Bever Ave SE.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, people can contract the virus if they have been in contact with an infected animal.
Symptoms include painful sores and sometimes a fever or other symptoms.
The CDC notes that sore mouth disease is caused by orf virus, a type of poxvirus that occurs worldwide, anywhere sheep, goats and similar animals live.
“People can get painful sores called lesions if they have contact with animals infected with orf virus. Certain activities like feeding, petting and getting bitten by infected animals put people more at risk for infection,” according to the CDC. “An animal infected with orf virus typically has sores (lesions) around its lips and muzzle and in its mouth. People infected with orf virus usually get sores or nodules on their hands or forearms. This rash is infectious, meaning it can spread to areas of a person’s body if they scratch or touch the sores. The sores progress through stages over six weeks. They may also have mild fever, tiredness or swelling of the glands in their neck and underarms (lymph nodes).”
A case of sore mouth disease was identified among the goats at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
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The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department has identified a case of ORF (also known as “sore mouth”) among the goats at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park. Out of an abundance of caution, Old MacDonald’s Farm and the water fowl area will be closed Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, allowing staff time to perform to deep clean and disinfect all surfaces and enclosures. While the farm will open back up Saturday, May 31, many animal pens will be closed to the public through the weekend.
ORF is a common viral skin condition in goats and sheep. While it is generally mild, it is contagious and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact. The goats will be removed from the premise and will receive treatment until they are able to safely return to the farm. The sheep will remain on site under quarantine for a minimum of one week to ensure they are healthy before rejoining the exhibit.
We are working with state and federal animal health officials and following all recommended animal care and sanitation guidelines. At this time, no other animals at the farm are showing symptoms of illness.
Members of the public who may have concerns following a recent visit to Old MacDonald’s Farm—particularly if they had close contact with the goats—are encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider with any health-related questions.
We appreciate the public’s understanding as we take these important steps to protect the health of our animals, staff, and visitors. The rest of Bever Park remains open to the public, and we look forward to welcoming guests back to the farm very soon.
For updates, please visit CityofCR.com/News or follow Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation on Facebook.
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