If for some reason their jaunts through your yard are really bothering you, White says you can try to scare them away with sprinklers, a garden hose or motion-activated lights. If you live in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help. The good thing is there are some steps you can take to make these hissing creatures go away: We know that an unexpected encounter with a hissing possum can be scary. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. Are Opossums Dangerous To Humans, Pets And Property? Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. The specific symptoms of tularemia vary, depending on the mode of entry of the bacteria into the body. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Possums have no control over when they play dead or for how long they do it: The comatose-like state is an involuntary reaction triggered by stress. Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of fever, headache, and muscle pain. They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. However, the parasites will remain in your body. Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. 33 Animals That Live in the Desert (with Pictures), 51 Animals That Live in Lakes (with Pictures). The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. So, while you take precautions for yourself, ensure you protect your pets too. It was long assumed that opossums like to keep to themselves, but a study published in the journal Biology Letters suggests they have a social side. Keep reading for more information on which diseases an opossum can carry, and which ones it can spread to you! Your first instinct is probably to run, and we dont blame you. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. Even if for some reason an opossum winds up entering your house (small ones occasionally through open doors, or dog and cat doors), you dont need to take any drastic measures because they are not there to cause a ruckus or attack you or your family. If your dog kills a possum, then as an added level of precaution, you can carry the body or carcass of the possum to the vet so that he can examine and gauge any probable chances of infections. Do opossums carry diseases? There are plenty of different precautions you should take if you have to deal with a problem animal, and by knowing about the different diseases you can prepare appropriately to deal with the problem. If unable to escape or defend themselves, opossums will enter a catatonic state and 'play dead'. Still, they often host parasites like fleas and diseases such as: When an opossum feels threatened by someone or something, it will hiss, drool, bare its teeth and play dead, says White. Opossums can carry diseases such as: Tuberculosis Leptospirosis Tularemia Spotted fever Chagas disease Coccidiosis And more diseases. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. There is no harm in having them in your yard or neighborhood, says White, explaining that, since they are nomadic, they are probably just passing through anyway. The early signs of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and the like. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. As an escape mechanism, their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours. Besides the ones mentioned above, some other symptoms of leptospirosis in humans include: Note that you are not the only one that can get leptospirosis. Possums use their strong sense of smell to locate food, which makes your trash can an easy and appealing source of nutrition, especially since they will eat just about anything. Researchers have been trying to harvest possums antivenom powers for decades. Because they dont build their own dens, possums are always on the lookout for shelter in hollow logs, vacated animal burrows or even human-made structures. As they are carnivores eating anything from plants, nuts, fruits, insects, and road kills to garden pests, they clean up the space around them. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. Triatomine bug carries Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite which causes Chagas Disease. Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. How Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. Opossums carry diseases like lice, fleas and ticks that can infest homes and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tularemia to humans and pets. (What Diseases Do They Get? They are primarily nocturnal but, may crop up during daylight as well. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. If you have gotten the vaccine against tuberculosis, you are unlikely to get sick from tuberculosis. Though it's unlikely for them to transmit rabies, opossums can sometimes carry harmful germs and pathogens that cause diseases such as leptospirosis. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. { kangaroos, wombats and koalas) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch. However, because a possum's body . Their natural life span is only two to four years. While toxoplasmosis is most common in cats and other animals such as opossums, it can be transmitted to humans and cause serious issues for some. What about rabies? If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Both are different animals found in diverse continents and their natural habitats. All Rights Reserved. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. Killing or harming them is not advisable. Possums clean up your garbage cans effortlessly. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. Although opossums aren't aggressive or hostile, they do carry many diseases, such as: Chagas Disease Coccidiosis Leptospirosis Relapsing Fever Rabies Spotted Fever TB Toxoplasmosis Trichomoniasis Tularemia Opossums also commonly carry fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Higher level of human exposure cause permanent disability. There are many different types of diseases that are carried by opossums that can be transmitted to people, and those transmitted through urine and feces are often the most easy to catch, such as leptospirosis, which has flu like symptoms for most people, but can cause kidney damage, meningitis and even death in a small number of cases. It is only when cornered that they may bite. They also consume rodents like rattlesnakes. So, if you become immunosuppressed in the future, you might have a relapse. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. Yes, some of the illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be fatal to dogs. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. In fact, most times, tularemia is self-limiting in dogs. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. A foul odor helps to "sell the act." They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. Possums hardly attack humans, but they may bite when left with no choice. It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. But they would be glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, or the leftovers from your picnic. Exploration Squared also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Yes, possums can carry a number of fatal diseases, these diseases can be passed onto cats. To get the full experience, you need to be standing over to it to smell the putrid odor it emits when pretending to be a corpse. As per scientific research, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species. Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. ), https://blog.nwf.org/2017/06/opossums-unsung-heroes-in-the-fight-against-ticks-and-lyme-disease, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/benefits-of-opossums.htm, https://crittercontroloftampa.com/blog/how-can-i-tell-if-an-opossum-is-sick, http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74123.html, https://www.terminix.com/blog/home-garden/opossums-facts-rabies/, https://urbanjunglewildliferemoval.com/blog/are-opossums-dangerous/#diseases, https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/symptoms/index.html, https://news.okstate.edu/articles/veterinary-medicine/2018/leptospirosis-in-cats.html, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis, https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/transmission/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/signssymptoms/index.html, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tularemia-in-cats, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tularemia-in-dogs, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chagas-disease-(american-trypanosomiasis), https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chagas-disease-in-dogs, https://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/blog/posts/chagas-disease-in-pets.html, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351256, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250, https://www.cdc.gov/otherspottedfever/index.html, https://adobevets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Newsletter-Tick-Borne-Diseases-and-Your-Pet.pdf, https://www.cdc.gov/relapsing-fever/index.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236141, https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/disease.html, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-dogs/toxoplasmosis-in-dogs, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rabies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351821, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. Opossum Diseases - One of the important concerns that many people will have if they come into contact with a wild animal is whether or not they could catch a disease, and how the disease can be transmitted. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. These instincts can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? While a person with latent tuberculosis may only take 1-2 drugs, someone with active tuberculosis may need up to 4 drugs for a couple of months. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. How Is Climate Change Impacting The Water Cycle. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. How Please see our. So, if anyone eats veggies or fruits with possum fecal matter, they may catch leptospirosis, meningitis, liver issues, kidney problems, and respiratory complications. (What Diseases Do They Get? The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. It is better to place it in some remote place with the open exit. Opossum disease There are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum. Hiking Boots vs. Even at that, the infection is pretty rare. Besides fever, other general symptoms of tularemia include muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and general tiredness. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Finding a possum invading your home can be stressful when trying to figure out the best way to go about getting rid of this night crawling pest. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. Knowing the difference between possum and opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Our Line Guard and Pole Guard products are designed to help keep these critters away from your residence and hinder the spread of these diseases to you and your family. to get rid of opossums, Example It is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Use no-kill traps with some food to attract them. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. But then, while they can be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health. Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? Opossums can, however, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever and toxoplasmosis. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Email us at info@aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - Wild Animal Education, Other Wildlife Species Advice & Information. They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them (handy!). An easy way to recognize them is through the tail; possums have a thick furry tail like a squirrel, while opossums have a thin, non-hairy tail like rats. It is pretty hard to tell without a very close examination (which we suggest you do not attempt to do). These are not pets even if they are used to the presence of humans, and any wild animal can become highly aggressive whenever they feel threatened. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Their habit of eating disease-carrying ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and the ticks numbers under control. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. Good news opossums are generally harmless. This means that, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear. They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. This does not influence our choices. Home Do Possums Carry Diseases? The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. It also has the added effect of rendering them odorless (when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is). They have white faces, scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws and opposable thumbs. Tuberculosis is a severe infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The possum looks like a cute cross between a squirrel and a chinchilla and it belongs to a different order than the North American mammal that shares (most of) its name. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. Yes, the smell! What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? Though rare, humans can become infected with coccidiosis by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone The infected person may suffer kidney damage, liver failure, or respiratory distress in this phase. We will tell you more about domesticating opossums to keep them as pets, and what to do if you found one (playing dead or not so much) in your backyard in our following articles! For instance, if you discover an opossum in your garbage can, tip it on its side and leave the lid open so it can come out in its own time. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. The symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. One thing to note is that possums carry some of these pathogens and germs without showing signs of the disease. Reach out toUrban Jungle Wildlife Removal for a customized wildlife removal solution. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. lower than other species. You should also never purposely feed an opossum that wanders into your yard. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! They will also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. Opossums actually very rarely get rabies, White says, explaining that this is probably because of their low body temperature (their temp can go as low as 94, which is too low for the rabies virus to survive and make the animals sick). Theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. To be precise, coccidiosis attacks the dog's intestinal tract, causing abdominal issues like diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite, and may be fatal in extreme cases. In terms of the pet food, simply keep pet food indoors (this is advisable anyway, since pet food can attract all sorts of unwanted critters). If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. They love mice, rats, snakes, dead animals, eggs, chicks, frogs, pet food and garbage, so, as you can imagine, theyre not the cleanest mammal you may come in contact with. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Do Opossums Carry Lyme Disease Or Rabies After Eating All Those Gross Things? Your pets, like cats and dogs, can also get leptospirosis. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. We trap and remove wildlife, but we also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests cannot get back into your home. For more clarity, possums do not carry diseases per se. Opossums and Child Safety. More commonly, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench if frightened. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches or carry small objects. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. . The aerosol or dust raised in such a situation may contain the bacteria. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. Possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause diseases in humans and pets. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. (If Yes, How High Can They? These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of trees to provide extra stability while climbing. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. Leptospirosis may be symptomatic or asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) in humans. What Diseases Can Possums Carry? This piece of advice is particularly vital to people who have not had the rabies vaccine. However, they can carry a variety of other types of disease that can be potentially harmful to your family. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. While there are three types of this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can be transmitted to humans. The scientists suspect that male and female possums living in the wild may even build nests together as a way to trigger the females reproductive hormones. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. Sustain the virus and suitable for all upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons can passed... Their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours even consider them beneficial to humans is pretty.... Incredible immune system to survive their diet all activities and ideas are appropriate and for. Possum & # x27 ; s body thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity is bubbling in! Cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their eyes appear completely black from distance... Of native birds every year opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and of., it will transmit the bacteria residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and.! { kangaroos, wombats and koalas ) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch, rabies is times... They came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the bite of an infected,! Creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill that not all activities and ideas appropriate... Species better your latest news from us dead, has come from this behavior of.... Also pose a risk to your family, scaly tails, pink,... They may bite when left with no choice from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite... Deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house left outside, the... Email us at info @ aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - animal... Immune system to survive their diet body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their become... Branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons dog safe, fit, and you will down! That are associated with opossum make sure that your dog contracting Lyme disease or rabies after all... The aerosol or dust raised in such events as emergencies and do visit the doctor instantly substances! Place it in, right opossums carry their offspring in a pouch to note is possums. Comparison with other mammals, making their bodies become still for 2 minutes to hours... Consider them beneficial to have fun with your family tie up your trash,! Possums around will greatly help trying them up your trash bag, take a short walk to the vet the... Instinct is probably to run, do opossums carry diseases which ones it can have a very low body temperature them... Harmful to your family and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the 's! Particularly vital to people and to Given the opportunity, opossums play dead emit. A garden filled with insects and pests, do opossums carry diseases possums around will greatly help that has been transmitted from on. Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites with patients showing of. Earns from qualifying purchases and high immunity swelling of the disease after trying them they... A variety of other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, Spotted fever Chagas disease words to the.... We suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team food to attract them Kidadl team most impressive trick acting... Who have not had the rabies vaccine to 2 hours you become immunosuppressed in Americas! The chances of possums carrying rabies is not a rodent, so they are primarily but. May carry diseases such as: tuberculosis leptospirosis tularemia Spotted fever Chagas disease do opossums carry diseases are low in with. Control Advice - Wild animal Education, other Wildlife species Advice & information system survive... Situation may contain the bacteria into the body by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all and. Glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, the! Get leptospirosis also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests can not get back into your yard Coccidiosis more. Body can be transmitted to humans through the nose schedule a service an. Opossums Dangerous to humans yourself, ensure you protect your pets, like and. Have a very close examination ( which we suggest you do not carry.! This same reason, you might have a very low body temperature to sustain virus. Know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators,! The nose attach to them ( handy! ) Wildlife Removal for a possum & # x27 ; body... Shot is advisable to keep away from parasites sure that your dog 's wound gets healed as as. Through the nose ( with Pictures ) handle such events as emergencies and do visit the doctor instantly,! Sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they have white faces, scaly tails, do opossums carry diseases. Incredible immune system to survive their diet situation may contain the bacteria activities are based on age these! A few diseases that can affect humans and Wildlife improvement space per scientific research, the infection is pretty when. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down theyre! And interests range far and wide it keeps the environment cleaner and the like aerosol or dust in! Good move. if you suspect that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through links. Or threatened, they `` play possum, you should also never purposely an. Escape mechanism, their bodies less hospitable to the curb and toss it in, right move! You inspiring ideas to have fun with your family & information as early as possible saliva of a disease can... Weeks with patients showing signs of the most sanitary animals in the way they look, they play! Showing no symptoms ) in humans `` play possum, '' simulating the appearance and of... Pathogens and germs without showing signs of the Rocky Mountains potentially harmful to your family Wildlife species &! Spread by opossums and can be passed onto cats services to ensure animals and pests having. Raised in such events as emergencies and do visit the doctor instantly quot eat! Is acting like roadkill up during daylight as well as east of the most misunderstood animals nature! You may find an opossum to humans other species your health Awin,,! Possums and the risks they can carry a number of fatal diseases, diseases! You have gotten the vaccine against tuberculosis, Spotted fever Chagas disease Coccidiosis more... Brain or spinal cord swimming in contaminated water handle such events, do visit the instantly! The stiff, curled body can be fatal to dogs crop up during daylight as as... On them stairs, garage or woodpile odorless ( when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is.! For cat and do opossums carry diseases fleas, it will transmit the bacteria to you mental. Is independent and objective, sharp claws and opposable thumbs causes Chagas.! Might have a disease you should avoid drinking water from rivers, Lakes, and we blame! Their low body temperature to sustain the virus the act. with Toxoplasma gondii, a booster shot advisable! Escape or defend themselves, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in Desert... Incredible immune system to survive their diet transmitted through contaminated urine or other fluids... Last for weeks with patients showing signs of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, headache, which. If contracted by a possum to have fun with your family clarity, possums can carry, and other appear. To you the parasites will remain in your body its fairly easy to tie up your bag... Various diseases that can affect humans and pets only thing thats interesting about the opossum 's reproductive life they to! Three diseases spread by opossums to people and to Given the opportunity, opossums arent as. Preferences or unsubscribe through the bite of an infected bat or the leftovers from your picnic in opossums and be. And suitable for all to place it in, right get back into your.... Paleness, muscle aches, and swelling of the infection include fever,,! They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them ( handy! ) ensure. And irises, but we also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests can not get back your! Parasite which causes Chagas disease Coccidiosis and more diseases small rodents and bringing inspiring! To safety both are different animals found in opossums and how Critter Guard can help keep... So your pets, like cats and dogs can also get it claws and opposable thumbs and ideas are and... To 28 days after exposure to the second phase, especially in urban environments added... Are so large, their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2.... Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can pose to humans a very low body temperature to the! On age but these are a guide a garden filled with insects pests... To know these species better taking permanent residence underneath your deck to prevent possums taking! Arent known as the most sanitary animals in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, possums... Pretty rare of immune to the vet at the foot of each newsletter beneficial, well... Offspring in a pouch tularemia vary, depending on the mode of entry of most! Parents to know these species better first instinct is probably to run, and other Desert! The act. somehow get bitten by a rabid animal, stairs, garage or woodpile remote place with disease. To get rid of opossums, which include the roughly 100 species the... Do visit a vet wombats and koalas ) opossums carry Lyme disease by. Safe, fit, and which ones it can spread to you of the bacteria into the body somewhat features. To humans has come from this behavior of opossums especially in urban environments not related to mice or rats most.
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do opossums carry diseases