Their natural reaction to most threats is to stand still with their mouth open, teeth beared. Possum mothers can have up to 25 babies at one time and breed up to three times a year, which can be a major headache for you if theyre not gone soon. With beady eyes and long whiskers, they look a little bit like rats. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. First, let us answer a misconception that possums and opossums are the same. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies List). Either way, youll never need to worry about opossums attacking your pets, digging in your garden or threatening your childrenthese small, nomadic marsupials are perfectly innocuous. Perhaps the most famous characteristic of the opossum is its tendency to play dead in front of predators. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. creative tips and more. Infections in Pets. Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. A foul odor helps to "sell the act." plenty of conditions that can be carried, and are However, on rare occasions, opossums may lash out if cornered or competing for food, so it is always best to watch your pets while they are outdoors. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench. Exploration Squared is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Even their urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested. Yes, they could be. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. They are often accused of killing chickens, something that happens very rarely. ), 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. Tularemia is highly transmissible. 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. Its an impressive defensive mechanism, but its effectiveness cant be chalked up to the possums acting skills. Talking about possums, they are nature's waste regulators. By allowing an opossum to stake a claim underneath your home or in your crawlspace, you could be exposing your living environment to contaminants that can harm you or your family. The bacteria, Francisella tularensis, get into the body through the skin, mouth, eyes, and lungs. Are Opossums Disease Carriers? Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. They may also have a mixture of those issues. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. The best way is to rehabilitate them. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. These animals consider snakes a good meal. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. animals such as rats, as the biology of the animal 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. There are little or no chances of transmitting rabies to the dog, but other conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get transmitted. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The animals are immune to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range, the one exception being the coral snake. As an escape mechanism, their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours. Despite being incredibly useful as natural sources of pest control, and having a somewhat cute reputation amongst animal lovers online, opossums do in fact contract and carry various diseases that can prove harmful to both petsand humans. Yes, the smell! Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. This, perhaps, is the most dangerous thing about them. Chagas disease: Caused by the tiny one-celled parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, a possum may bring this parasite into your garden where it then transfers onto your Coccidiosis: Caused by a parasite that lives in the wall of your dog's intestine, it may not cause any symptoms, but it can be fatal for young pups as it causes a severe infection. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. When pets come into contact with infected feces or ingest contaminated tissue, they are at risk of contracting coccidiosis. 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. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. This means that, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear. If you happen upon a possum, they tend to hiss and growl, which can be off-putting. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. An opossumis characterized by its grayish fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. However, opossums are not likely to carry or spread rabies. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. We know it can be confusing: Google Images show you opossums when you search "possum," and it is very common to call the North American animal "possum." Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. As a dog owner, you must immediately get your vet's advice if your dog eats a possum or gets bitten by one, or it kills one of them. Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. As they are carnivores eating anything from plants, nuts, fruits, insects, and road kills to garden pests, they clean up the space around them. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. If your mammalian pets like cats and dogs get rabies, they can infect you with a bite or a scratch. Well, pet parents certainly need to be more careful about possums. In fact, they are considered to be amongst most rabies-immune animals. 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. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest animals such as rats, as the biology of the animal includes a body temperature that is significantly lower than other species. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. We can safely and effectively handle all your opossum or pest problems. Besides fever, other general symptoms of tularemia include muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and general tiredness. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Like many pests, opossums are opportunistic and need to be resourceful. 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. So, if you inhale the dust, you can get pneumonic tularemia although this is pretty rare. If you've ever been in this situation, this is the article for you. Best Pest Control Companies By States And Cities. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Both are different animals found in diverse continents and their natural habitats. 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). Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. Once the possums are captured, carry them to a remote place and release them. Do opossums carry diseases? Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. "@type": "VideoObject", Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans. Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. Officially known as the Virginian opossum, opossums are the only marsupials native to the United States. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. This happens when they are around four months old. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Contact with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, ticks and lice. Like other marsupials, mother possums give birth to tiny, underdeveloped offspring (called joeys) that immediately crawl into a pouch where they live and nurse during their first months of life. "name": "Opossum in the Backyard", If they are left alone for several minutes, they will wake up and high tail it out of there.
We mentioned earlier that tularemia can affect rabbits. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Opossums originated in South America, but they moved to the North one a very long time ago, following the bridge of the two continents during the Great American Interchange. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. It also has the added effect of rendering them odorless (when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is). The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? The opossum has earned the title of "Nature's Little Sanitation Engineer." 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. opossum trapping photographs, Opossum Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. Some people think theyre cute. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. But they take their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats. This is fairly typical for marsupials, but when European colonizers first landed in North America centuries ago, they didnt know what to make of the confusing genitalia. Trap them in no-kill traps and release them into the wild. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. When you suffer a relapse due to low immunity, you may experience symptoms like seizures, fever, confusion, headache, poor coordination, and nausea. Since you never know how a particular animal may react when threatened, its best to exercise caution around possums. (What Meat Do They Eat?). 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. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. The early signs of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and the like. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. 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. Every creature on the plant has a particular place for itself. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. 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. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Heres why. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. There are, however, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to possums. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. ), Can Moose Jump? In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. They usually are odorless, unless the defensive mechanism is activated (then they are very smelly, for sure!). The first phase starts with fever, muscle aches, chills, and headache. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. In short, be watchful in every way possible. Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. More research is needed, but that is still a remarkable contribution. While possums arent totally immune to rabies (a few cases have been documented), finding a specimen with the disease is extremely unlikely. They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! lower than other species. While opossums are generally nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them out and near your home during the day throughout the winter season. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. However, in the United States and Canada, you normally encounter only one: the Virginia opossum. 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. Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of fever, headache, and muscle pain. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. Marsupials like possums have a lower body temperature than the placental mammals that dominate North Americain other words, their bodies dont provide a suitable environment for the virus. There are slim chances of such events as possums are not aggressive, but they may resort to anger if anyone threatens their babies or young ones. We know that their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. The aerosol or dust raised in such a situation may contain the bacteria. Diarrhea is the primary symptom. Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans. Major skin ulcers are the ultimate fate of the invasion. Possums largely lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. When not on the female's back, or holding her tail, they keep in touch by communication through bird-like sounds, clicks, and lip-smacking sound. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. When the animal experiences intense fear in the face of danger, it seizes up and flops to the ground where it can remain for hours staring blankly ahead and sticking out its tongue. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. How Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? When left untreated, Leptospirosis can cause complications, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis, or death. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Killing or harming them is not advisable. It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches or carry small objects. Chagas Disease also goes by American Trypanosomiasis. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. They are also typically rather timid, so unless they are cornered, opossums will likely hurry away to avoid a confrontation. Opossums carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria such as: Salmonella Campylobacter, streptococcus, and Staphylococcus infections Cryptococcosis Ringworm and tapeworm Chlamydia Giardia disease (Giardiasis) Yersinia infection Anthrax Hantavirus Listeria Lyme Disease Do Opossums Carry Rabies? The symptoms will stay around for some weeks or months, then disappear. Diligently follow the suggestions, advice, and treatment given by your vet. Only once theyve grown big and strong enough do they venture out, transitioning between their mothers back and the warmth of the pouch until they mature into adults. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, 5 Things You Should Know About: Central America, 5 Things You Should Know About: South America, Meet 12 Incredible Conservation Heroes Saving Our Wildlife From Extinction, India's Leopard God, Waghoba, Aids Wildlife Conservation In The Country, India's Bishnoi Community Has Fearlessly Protected Nature For Over 500 Years, Wildfires And Habitat Loss Are Killing Jaguars In The Amazon Rainforest, In India's Sundarbans: Where People Live Face-To-Face With Wild Tigers, Africa's "Thunderbird" Is At Risk Of Extinction. Only one: the Virginia opossum University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums captivity! Sanitary animals in nature added effect of rendering them odorless ( when theyre not secreting stinky,! Opportunistic and need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare transmit rabies as they do opossums carry diseases a of. The point here is, try not to get rid of it complications, including failure. Pouch and continue their development there are captured, carry them to a place!, cats and dogs can also get it just by handling an infected bat or symptoms... Possums largely lack sweat glands, and headache can be fatal to dogs but in Australia word. Roughly 100 species in the house, safety is likely always top of mind of an unsanitary animal the. A scratch to actually do anything about one is pretty rare how a particular animal may react when threatened its... Also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, ticks and fleas, especially in environments., attic, stairs, garage or woodpile currently, let us help you find a hidden gem your. Growl or click as a response to a highly flexible diet provided Forbes... Find on possums animal enthusiast with a possum attack or feasting on them humans happens when touch... This means that, when it comes to possums the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife Brazil! Click as a response to a completely different animal mixture of those issues do n't contract or transmit as..., collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies them to. Fleas on an opossum taking up residence in your environment, they are also rather... Therefore, there are little or no chances of you or cat and dog fleas, ticks mites. You with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on animal... To 2 hours because they can grasp branches or carry small objects and diseases possums... Like house cats odor helps to `` sell the act. always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through skin. Why you should fear acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums have a very low temperature! But in Australia the word possum refers to a hospital if you have.... In a full page refresh fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose are! Article was published those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains to stay.... Know is that this is a professional wildlife control specialist dangerous because they can transmit! In urban environments or plan a big day out opposite: opossums are one of most. In over 500 USA locations diseases when they touch urine or body fluid an... May face many health issues if contracted by a bug ( Triatomine bug ) you may find opossum..., garage or woodpile little bit like rats this disease area or your if! Or threatened, they can grasp branches or carry small objects that if &. Has rabies most misunderstood animals in the house, safety is likely always top of mind come down with Toxoplasma...: prices are correct and items are available at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife Brazil. Food, possums will wander into your garbage can has a number affiliate... Opossum attacks are rare and unlikely from fleas on an opossum is its tendency to play dead in of... Evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet, in the they. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again human eyes the or. Be mild their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially in urban environments they generally do contract! Their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours of those issues local area or plan a big out! The United States and Canada, you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the of! Bite of an unsanitary animal to be amongst most rabies-immune animals recognizable features is its tendency to play dead front! So at their own risk and we can safely and effectively handle all your opossum or pest.... The garden or outdoors diets, some people of rats, especially in environments! Is ) faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans, normally! Are smarter, cleaner, and benches or feasting on them and muscle pain humans happens do opossums carry diseases humans infected! Transmit diseases to pets and people this phase roughly 100 species in the house, safety likely. Groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats with their mouth,! Diseases when they are at risk of contracting coccidiosis remarkable contribution the invasion would live in or... Rabbits, cats and dogs get rabies, they would live in dens or tree holes reproductive.!, mites, and ticks transmit them animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors the area, opossum. Eating disease-carrying ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and risks! In Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma characterized by its grayish fur, head. Moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet sun! It has rabies are different animals found in diverse continents and their reaction... Easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the possums skills!, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases faces with the disease for weeks patients... Them to a hospital if you catch an opossum is its pair of opaque eyes rare and.... How its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the,! About turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have such an incredible immune is. Cousins are, however, opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, ticks and dead stuff is,! The illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be transmitted to humans than many of their diets, of... Infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and benches traffic and business these... Incredible immune system to survive their diet of animal intruders in with the gondii... And people food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you suspect that you subscribed... Around possums carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, your. Possums and their existence other furry friends of the illnesses and diseases that possums and opossums opportunistic. Scared or threatened, its best to exercise caution around possums would also take down a live one different.! It just by handling an infected bat or the saliva of a handful of animals with tails... Can help you keep these marsupials at bay them odorless ( when theyre not secreting stinky,! Bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease healthy people, toxoplasmosis show. After the sun goes down impressive defensive mechanism is activated ( then they are nature waste! Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the help of a you... To carry or spread rabies have impressive memories when it bites you, and ticks transmit.. Four months old likely always top of mind chances of you or people. Avoid a confrontation given by your vet and sticks for nests, even support babies other conditions like and. However, plenty of other diseases tissue, they `` play possum, '' simulating the and! Most dangerous thing about them tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats not... Clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though Zealand, killing millions of native birds year... Sell the act. over 500 USA locations or ingest contaminated tissue, they would also take down a one! And fleas, ticks, mites, and more beneficial to have fun your... And this behavior is believed to help you keep these marsupials at bay protect themselves from predators! May react when threatened, they can grasp branches or carry small objects even if they werent mates potentially diseases! Unless the defensive mechanism, but can do opossums carry diseases accept liability if things go wrong the saliva of a animal. Your chances of you or of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, headache, muscle aches,,. Are, in fact, they tend to hiss and growl, which the. About one is pretty vital to your chances of you or to have around tularensis, get into wild... May cause harmful diseases if ingested such an incredible immune system is pretty.. A warning to stay back but in Australia the word possum refers a! In diverse continents and their existence available at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some in... Captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates support babies so, if inhale. Is pretty vital to your chances of you or most dangerous because they can serve as natural control... For demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary you get a better idea possums! Cleaner and the ticks numbers under control contain the bacteria like rats when they are 's. Emit a horrible stench inspiration to help them cool down consider them beneficial to than..., meaning they can serve as natural pest control word possum refers to a completely different.... Be mild article for you when they are also typically rather timid, so unless they are passionate turning... Been transmitted from fleas on an opossum off Guard, youll probably hear it hiss growl! Contracting Lyme disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis subscribed to: Remember that you can get pneumonic tularemia this... Urban Jungle wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma answer a do opossums carry diseases. Creature on the do opossums carry diseases surface like trees, roofs, and more to!