They may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, and viruses through their urine or feces. For more clarity, possums do not carry diseases per se. Marsupials like opossums have a lower temperature compared to other types of mammals in North America, making their bodies a less suitable environment for the rabies virus. But thankfully, there are effective treatments. In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. Immediately, take your pet dog to the veterinarian in the incident of a possum bite. Do opossums carry diseases? (What Meat Do They Eat?). It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . Of the three types of relapsing fever, tick-borne relapsing fever is the only one common in the United States. Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Rabies is a viral disease . Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. The initial symptoms include vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! Others believe that these furry, gray marsupials with hairless tails are scary. They discovered the benefits of living side-by-side with humans very fast, so they sometimes lodge in barns, sheds, or under houses. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Are Opossums Dangerous To Humans, Pets And Property? In some people, tuberculosis infection is latent. All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. Triatomine bug carries Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite which causes Chagas Disease. Unlike other mammals that carry ticks, and therefore spread Lyme Disease, possums gobble up 90 percent of the ticks that attach to them. Its an impressive defensive mechanism, but its effectiveness cant be chalked up to the possums acting skills. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. As per scientific research, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species. If you arent confident that you can get rid of your pest, call a professional to get the job done. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. But they take their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. The causative organisms belong to the Rickettsia genus, and ticks transmit them. If you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they will generally leave on their own accord. 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. But then, as the disease progresses, it starts affecting the nervous system. 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 reality, it is just a trick to fend off would-be predators. Among the most well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum. Lets start with that nasty hissing and copious saliva. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 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. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. The Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is particularly life-threatening without early treatment. ), Do Skunks Eat Meat? How Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. 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. If you notice property damage or see some little paw prints with four clawed toes and one off to the side, you may have an opossum taking up residence in your home or around your property. Possums are found in four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and brown. They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. Knowing the difference between possum and opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better. When you suffer a relapse due to low immunity, you may experience symptoms like seizures, fever, confusion, headache, poor coordination, and nausea. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. The early signs of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and the like. Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. They also like roadkill, and are known to eat ticks that they find in their own fur while grooming their bodies. 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. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. Killing or harming them is not advisable. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. For many homeowners in these areas, it shouldnt be a surprise to catch a glimpse of one every now and then. The animal will typically regain consciousness after a period of a few minutes to four hours and escape quietly on its own. Thankfully, there are treatments for the disease. The wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. 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. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. 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. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. Do opossums carry diseases? Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites. Opossums can eat rats or mice if they can catch them. Their natural life span is only two to four years. Theoretically, of course, if an opossum does get rabies it can spread rabies but, again, an opossum getting rabies is unlikely. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. In the U.S., the Virginia opossum is a cat-sized creature with dull, gray fur, white and black markings, a long snout and pink paws. Moreover, they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. They include: Chagas disease: Chagas disease is caused by a one-celled parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. Interestingly, having toxoplasmosis before pregnancy protects unborn children because mothers have developed immunity against the disease. Are Opossums Disease Carriers? We mentioned earlier that tularemia can affect rabbits. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. That means the more possums that are in your area, the fewer ticks youll encounter. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. 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). Exploration Squared also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. When a baby opossum gets too big for the pouch, it will ride on the back of its mother until it is mature enough to live independently. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. They also can cause damage as they burrow under sheds, decks and porches to build nests where they take shelter and raise their young. 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. Besides rashes, this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache, headache, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. 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. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. If you check out the rest of this article, you will learn about various diseases possums carry. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Opossums can be tricky critters, and it is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. Researchers found that possums are better at remembering which runway led to a tasty treat than rats, cats, dogs, and pigs. Coccidiosis We trap and remove wildlife, but we also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests cannot get back into your home. However, they can carry a variety of other types of disease that can be potentially harmful to your family. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. kangaroos, wombats and koalas) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. Do opossums carry diseases? Unlike that, opossums have white faces and grey bodies. 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? 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. Transmission through the lungs may occur when you run over an infected possum or possum carcass with a farming or landscaping machine. The ones you can meet in North America - and memes - are Opossums. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. Even if you are unsure whether the bite actually happened, go to a hospital at once. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. You may also notice excessive drooling. Do Possums Carry Diseases? These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. 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. Even at that, the infection is pretty rare. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. "@type": "VideoObject", Some people think theyre cute. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. So, if anyone eats veggies or fruits with possum fecal matter, they may catch leptospirosis, meningitis, liver issues, kidney problems, and respiratory complications. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. 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. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. However, they are hosts to various germs and pathogens, which cause diseases. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. They may also have a mixture of those issues. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. Despite the potential for confusion, possum is accepted as the shortened version of opossum in this part of the world (and if you see the word possum in this list, you can assume its referring to the animal from the Americas). to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest More commonly, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench if frightened. 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." They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. As long as you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from an opossum is slim. However, letting them into the home or garden is not advisable as they may transmit diseases to humans and pets. The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. But they would be glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, or the leftovers from your picnic. The Predator Free 2050 project aimed to rid New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 when it was set up in 2016. Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. Any mammal can contract rabies, but opossums have an advantage. Well, this is not the case. Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. What Diseases Can Possums Carry? 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. Let us clarify first: while the terms used for possums and opossums are remarkably similar, they are, in fact, different animals. While possums are primarily found in Australia, New Guinea, China, New Zealand, and Sulawesi, the opossums are native species to North America and Southern Canada. Reach out toUrban Jungle Wildlife Removal for a customized wildlife removal solution. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. 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. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. But cats are highly likely to be asymptomatic. Major skin ulcers are the ultimate fate of the invasion. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. Dawn has a BA in journalism from Western Washington University and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. In other words, you have the infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. They provide free pest control by eating a variety of insects, small snakeseven venomous speciesmice and baby rats, White explains. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. It affects both humans and animals. Virginian opossums live in many areas of the country and thrive in many habitats. They will also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. 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. Spotted fevers can be mild or life-threatening. Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or congenital diseases. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? If you feed your pets outside, clean their food bowls and make sure you move everything inside as soon as they finish their kibbles. Possums may snack on pet food, especially cat food. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench. Tularemia is a disease, which is also caused by a bacterial pathogen. However, because a possum's body . In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. These pests are nocturnal and omnivorous. Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. The earlier you get treatment, the better. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. So they do not carry Lyme disease. Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? other animals too. At this point the opossum is completely unaware of their surroundings, their bodies are completely limp, and they will be entirely unresponsive to any stimuli. 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. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. If unable to escape or defend themselves, opossums will enter a catatonic state and 'play dead'. Do Opossums Carry Lyme Disease Or Rabies After Eating All Those Gross Things? If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. We can safely and effectively handle all your opossum or pest problems. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). This does not influence our choices. So, ensure you keep your pets away from possums. A viral meme claimed opossums are immune to rabies and ate up to 5,000 ticks annually, thus stopping the spread of Lyme disease. Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Hiking Boots vs. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. Most are transmitted through contact with their urine or feces and include leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis which can affect people and domestic animals. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Opossums are shy, harmless animals who are the size of an average housecat, says Lynsey White, director of humane wildlife conflict resolution for The Humane Society of the United States. 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. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Do opossums carry diseases? Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. Possums can carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to both humans and animals. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. Your chances of encountering a rabid opossum are slim at best. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. { Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. Opossums are also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM . So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. We do not present information about every offer available. First, let us answer a misconception that possums and opossums are the same. 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. It is true that if you have possums in your environment, they can serve as natural pest control. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Youve probably heard time and time again that possums have rabies. Ensure you wear gloves while carrying the carcass as it may pass on worms or protozoans. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. 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. Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. As they are carnivores eating anything from plants, nuts, fruits, insects, and road kills to garden pests, they clean up the space around them. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies. Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches or carry small objects. 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. 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. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. Tularemia is highly transmissible. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. Possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause diseases in humans and pets. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. Possums clean up your garbage cans effortlessly. In other words, if your immunity is high and you get toxoplasmosis, you may only see symptoms like fever, muscle ache, and tender lymph nodes. These pathogens cause various diseases when transmitted to humans, and some of them affect pets too. The brain of baby opossums also sometimes fail to react this way at the appropriate moment: they often can not "play dead" when threatened. Possums carry various disease-causing agents (pathogens) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites. The specific symptoms of tularemia vary, depending on the mode of entry of the bacteria into the body. The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. Opossums are night roamers, they find and consume all types of insects, bugs, snails, worms, smaller snakes, mice, rotting dead stuff, fallen fruits. Besides fever, other general symptoms of tularemia include muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and general tiredness. They do not need supplemental food to survive. Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. You can get it just by handling an infected possum. 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.