diff --git a/salt/zeek/config.sls b/salt/zeek/config.sls
index 41a0ceeb5..7313ee0f5 100644
--- a/salt/zeek/config.sls
+++ b/salt/zeek/config.sls
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ zeekzkgsync:
     - user: 937
     - group: 939
     - makedirs: True
+    - exclude_pat: README
 
 # Zeek Log Directory
 zeeklogdir: