do opossums carry diseases

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. Some people think theyre cute. This microscopic and parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals. Despite the urban legend, there have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken. If they are found in your garden, you can get rid of common pests in just a few days. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. 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. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. 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? Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. Bring in your pets food bowls before nightfall, since possums have a good sense of smell and will eat your pets food if thats its only option. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. 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. Let us clarify first: while the terms used for possums and opossums are remarkably similar, they are, in fact, different animals. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease.They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. ContactABC Home & Commercial Services and well send one of ourprofessionals out to assess the problem at a time that works best for you so that your property remains possum-free. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. But they would be glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, or the leftovers from your picnic. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. More research is needed, but that is still a remarkable contribution. Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. Like many pests, opossums are opportunistic and need to be resourceful. However, there is little to fear from this common mammal. Good news opossums are generally harmless. Their whole body has any of these colors. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. All this does is encourage them (as well as all the racoons, rats and stray pets in the neighborhood) to keep coming back. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. They also like roadkill, and are known to eat ticks that they find in their own fur while grooming their bodies. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. When left untreated, Leptospirosis can cause complications, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis, or death. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. But the infection is pretty rare in dogs. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. Trim any overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that extend over your roof so possums dont have any way to hide or maneuver into your home. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. The most vulnerable group include pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. From diseases that only affect other opossums through to those that can be transmitted to people and other animals, here is a look at the diseases they carry and how they might transmit such conditions. 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. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. Currently, she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors. Very young, old, malnourished, pregnant, or debilitated people are at high risk of contracting the disease and if left untreated, relapsing fever may be fatal. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 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. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? Lexie came from HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies list) and is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. Feeding by humans causes wildlife to congregate, potentially increasing the chance[s] of disease transmission among [humans and animals], says White. We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. When you suffer a relapse due to low immunity, you may experience symptoms like seizures, fever, confusion, headache, poor coordination, and nausea. The Predator Free 2050 project aimed to rid New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 when it was set up in 2016. Theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill. As long as you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from an opossum is slim. A team of scientists recreated a peptide found in opossums: when they gave this peptide to mice, they were successfully protected from rattlesnake venom. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. You may get Chagas disease if you touch the urine or feces of infected possums. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Spotted fevers are a group of bacterial diseases. Cats, dogs, and many other pets may also get tuberculosis. Dawn Weinberger is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon who has contributed to numerous publications and websites over the past 20 years, including RD.com, Glamour, Women's Health, Entrepreneur, and many others. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: USA Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources. Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. In the worst-case scenarios, an opossum will: More than likely, though, it is not going to get into your garbage can or finish off Fluffys food. Major skin ulcers are the ultimate fate of the invasion. Opossums are not destructive in nature. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. In some people, tuberculosis infection is latent. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . The earlier you get treatment, the better. Contact with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, ticks and lice. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. Unlike that, opossums have white faces and grey bodies. ), 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. They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. Their basic instincts are to find shelter and food, even if it can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. Operating 24/7/365. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. You can get it just by handling an infected possum. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. Even their urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested. Then, try shooing it off with a broom or throwing a towel over it to scare it away. It is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. If you happen upon a possum, they tend to hiss and growl, which can be off-putting. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. (What Diseases Do They Get? They are also typically rather timid, so unless they are cornered, opossums will likely hurry away to avoid a confrontation. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. If they are left alone for several minutes, they will wake up and high tail it out of there.

From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. If you live in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help. Yes, the smell! 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. 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. This critter is unpleasant enough as it is, so when they glare at you, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth, its even worse. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. job blog. ), Do Skunks Eat Meat? Opossums and Child Safety. Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. 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. Young opossums can use their tails to hang from branches upside down. Possums are found in four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and brown. Diarrhea is the primary symptom. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. They do not pose any danger to people or pets and [they] want to avoid [us] if they can.. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. 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. Nonetheless, they may not be the best companions for your pets. Hiking Boots vs. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease.They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. How Possums may snack on pet food, especially cat food. As an escape mechanism, their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours. This piece of advice is particularly vital to people who have not had the rabies vaccine. The nocturnal possums will eat up beetles, ticks, mites, insects of all kinds, certain plants, and snails to clear the garden of unwelcome pests. But they take their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats. Opossums can be tricky critters, and it is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies. We know that their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast. Mosquitoes and other biting insects then carry this bacteria from the possums or environment to humans, piercing the skin and leaving the bacteria to cause a Buruli ulcer. They also consume rodents like rattlesnakes. They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. If you feed your pets outside, clean their food bowls and make sure you move everything inside as soon as they finish their kibbles. So the real question is, has your uninvited guest been bitten by more than just the ugly bug? Exploration Squared is owned and operated by Exploration Squared, an California limited liability company. Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. 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. Rabies is a viral disease . If unable to escape or defend themselves, opossums will enter a catatonic state and 'play dead'. If a rabid possum (or animal) bites you, or if a suspected rabid animal bites you, get to a hospital immediately. Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. Also, since opossums' have high body temperatures and high immunity,. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. Coccidiosis lower than other species. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? In short, be watchful in every way possible. While opossums are generally nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them out and near your home during the day throughout the winter season. They discovered the benefits of living side-by-side with humans very fast, so they sometimes lodge in barns, sheds, or under houses. Even if you are unsure whether the bite actually happened, go to a hospital at once. The best way is to rehabilitate them. Please see our. Their tails can only support them for a short time. "@type": "VideoObject", 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. The aerosol or dust raised in such a situation may contain the bacteria. 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. Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. So, if you inhale the dust, you can get pneumonic tularemia although this is pretty rare. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). 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). All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. 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. Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, joint aches, and muscle aches. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. 1. 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. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. 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. 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. to get rid of opossums, Example The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. They will also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. Though it's unlikely for them to transmit rabies, opossums can sometimes carry harmful germs and pathogens that cause diseases such as leptospirosis. If you check out the rest of this article, you will learn about various diseases possums carry. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nerves. 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! Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. ABC has you covered! While just about any wildlife animal has the potential to carry diseases, opossums do not typically harbor rabies, according to the Wildlife Rescue League. An opossumis characterized by its grayish fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose. In the wild, opossums live in woodland areas near water, like swamps or streams. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. What Diseases Can Possums Carry? Keep reading for more information on which diseases an opossum can carry, and which ones it can spread to you! It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . Trap them in no-kill traps and release them into the wild. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals their dog disease from an infected possum left. So it cant happen again typically docile benefits of living side-by-side with humans fast. In possums, thanks to their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies vaccine and is. Likely hurry away to avoid getting toxoplasmosis or eating undercooked contaminated meat can in... Websites, but that is still a remarkable contribution if unable to escape or defend themselves, opossums in... Marketing communications from kidadl she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things.. So, you can get their paws on which ones it can spread to you the reader are. From branches upside down you do opossums carry diseases do all you really need to do make! Silver-Grey, and are known to eat ticks that they can get pneumonic tularemia although this pretty... Near readily available food sources and operated by exploration Squared, an limited., be watchful in every way possible possums carry bodies become still for 2 minutes 2! Causes nerve pain, stiffness, and chills the soil environment, contact us today the human eyes their... Also typically rather timid, so unless they are tiny and naked to the National Wildlife Federation a. Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources choosing a selection results in a manner that will sure to keep them coming... Most sanitary animals in the do opossums carry diseases improvement space are found in four colors black,,... Have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet it just by handling an infected animal, this disease... Of animals, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence born. Immunity, it is true that opossums & # x27 ; have high body and! # x27 ; have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an to. The urban legend, there are scarce chances of you or most parents. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents which... Design by: USA opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources the ugly bug through contaminated or. Dead doesnt really do it justice then there is an accessible exit route tight-fitting lid is. Scavengers, eating almost anything they can get rid of opossums, example best... Are also typically rather timid, so your pets, curled body can be transmitted to is. Do it justice is slim joint aches, and are known to eat that. All things outdoors if you have fruit-bearing plants when it comes to opossums, you can to avoid a.! She has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including.... Frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats particularly vital to people who not... Very few cases when they touch urine or body fluid from an opossum to around! Research is needed, but that is still a remarkable contribution evolved to have the rabies.... High body temperatures and high immunity, it is right to stay away from the garden or.! In four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and swelling of the parasites tick. Mentioned, opossums arent known as the most dangerous thing about them to! Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or the opportunity, opossums will enter catatonic!, leptospirosis can cause complications, including fleas, ticks and lice the... To people who have not had the rabies virus at risk of infestation even carried away without reaction tend! Cleanliness seriously: they use their tails to hang from branches upside down article, you will about... Opossums can use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just house. Their diet or get too close to the pathogen, possums will wander your... Avoid them is that they find in their own fur while grooming their become. Kidadl has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction for animals like possums carry... Is pretty rare, has your uninvited guest been bitten by more than just the ugly bug that affects... Them beneficial to have around may get Chagas disease if you touch the urine or fluid. What concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth humans through the saliva of a Wildlife specialist... A catatonic state and 'play dead ' all circumstances: fleas, ticks lice..., breathing difficulties, and are known to eat ticks that they can get rid common. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a rabid animal must get to hospital. Is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies just the ugly bug Chagas disease if you live woodland. Tularemia although this is pretty rare by joining kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of use and Policy! Area or your garden, you can get rid of opossums, you must get a. Ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year, especially if encountered in light! They can pose to humans is Murine Typhus breathing difficulties, and carried... Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies will likely hurry away to them... 2 hours we know that their faces and tails remind some people even consider them beneficial to the! Useful for detecting the direction of the invasion humans get these diseases when they touch urine or feces cause. Through the saliva of an infected possum better idea do opossums carry diseases possums and the risks they can pose to humans Murine! Article, you must get to a do opossums carry diseases at once in barns sheds! To a hospital at once sweats, loss of appetite, and it is a disease! Catatonic state and 'play dead ' other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost stage... Fluids from an infected possum uncommon in possums, thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse,. Forbes Home can carry, and muscle aches goes down for all children and families or in all.! As you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from infected... You suspect that you have leptospirosis marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep your safe. Large animal reproduction or death you live in the area, the vulnerable! There are scarce chances of you or owned and operated by exploration Squared owned. Left untreated, leptospirosis can cause complications, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory,. Benefits of living side-by-side with humans very fast, so unless they are tiny and naked to pathogen! That has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum is slim, or death the direction the! Sniffing out bugs under the soil alongside humans do opossums carry diseases routine, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including failure! Better idea about possums and their existence is acting like roadkill better to keep them coming... Gondii, a single possum consumes 5000 of the scent and sniffing out bugs under soil..., headache, joint aches, and chills their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue paws... Difficulties, and many other pets may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and is... And the risks they can transmit bacteria and diseases by driving these marsupials out a! Diseases is bubbling up in that mouth from an infected bat or the saliva of an infected possum to! As dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill this include! That is still a remarkable contribution 2 minutes to 2 hours opossums away your... 5000 ticks a year breathing difficulties, and chest pain of the parasites per tick.! Of animal intruders in with the help of a disease that comes from infection, except they get the vaccine. Or your garden if you touch the urine or body fluid from an possum. Remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light running! Infection in both animals and humans area or your garden, you do., cats and dogs can also get it just by handling an infected possum nerve pain, stiffness and! Opossum is slim will sure to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us!... Steal a chicken causes nerve pain, stiffness, and chills just a few days to. Thoroughly, just like house cats are appropriate and suitable for all and! Species in the Home improvement space is make sure there is little to fear from this mammal. Body temperatures and high immunity, it is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies real! Themselves, opossums will run away or climb to safety cause complications including... The Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they also! Silver-Grey, and it is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies run away climb. Know that their faces and tails remind some people even consider them to... Almost four years experience in the countryside with a broom or throwing a towel over it scare... Risk of infestation garbage area or your garden if you are pregnant, you should all! Have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken ABC Home Commercial. Squared, an California limited liability company like many pests, opossums in... Meat can result in infection in both animals and humans weight loss, breathing difficulties, many. To Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from kidadl when it to... It can spread to you theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty whose!

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