We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. We know that their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast. All Rights Reserved. Theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill. It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. Do opossums carry diseases? Do Opossums Carry Diseases? In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. While possums arent totally immune to rabies (a few cases have been documented), finding a specimen with the disease is extremely unlikely. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. 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. Exploration Squared is owned and operated by Exploration Squared, an California limited liability company. In reality, it is just a trick to fend off would-be predators. Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. Do opossums carry diseases? While most animals look at a snake and see danger, a possum sees its next meal. Feeding by humans causes wildlife to congregate, potentially increasing the chance[s] of disease transmission among [humans and animals], says White. For many homeowners in these areas, it shouldnt be a surprise to catch a glimpse of one every now and then. Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites. More research is needed, but that is still a remarkable contribution. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? The specific symptoms of tularemia vary, depending on the mode of entry of the bacteria into the body. Unlike other mammals that carry ticks, and therefore spread Lyme Disease, possums gobble up 90 percent of the ticks that attach to them. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. 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. Diligently follow the suggestions, advice, and treatment given by your vet. Since you never know how a particular animal may react when threatened, its best to exercise caution around possums. Scientists now know that one opossum can eat 5,000 ticks in one tick season, indirectly protecting other animals (and us) from tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Their habit of eating disease-carrying ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and the ticks numbers under control. They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them (handy!). Possum may carry this parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog. 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." Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. 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. If and when you see an opossum plodding through your backyard, dont worry. Young opossums can use their tails to hang from branches upside down. Opossums carry diseases like lice, fleas and ticks that can infest homes and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tularemia to humans and pets. . (What Diseases Do They Get? Therefore, they rarely bite. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Some of the diseases that possums can carry include: Rabies: Rabies is a severe and potentially fatal disease affecting mammals' nervous systems. All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. Its an impressive defensive mechanism, but its effectiveness cant be chalked up to the possums acting skills. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Their opened mouth and hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous. 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. Even if possums arent the cutest creatures in the forest, they should be a welcome addition to your backyard. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. Opossums are often accused, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage cans or gardens. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Every creature on the plant has a particular place for itself. Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. Opossums can carry diseases such as: If youre considering your furry friends safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. Heres why. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Humans also hunt and trap them for food or to get rid of it. other animals too. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. The animal will typically regain consciousness after a period of a few minutes to four hours and escape quietly on its own. 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. Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both animals and humans.
It is only when opossums have taken up residence in and around your home that they may be problematic. 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. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. While a person with latent tuberculosis may only take 1-2 drugs, someone with active tuberculosis may need up to 4 drugs for a couple of months. Your chances of encountering a rabid opossum are slim at best. Possums are found in four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and brown. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. Contact with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, ticks and lice. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. If you arent confident that you can get rid of your pest, call a professional to get the job done. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. Because they are living on the possum, it means that they are often carrying the illnesses that possums have, so you need to be on guard to avoid even coming in contact with these animals. Besides rashes, this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache, headache, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. These pests are nocturnal and omnivorous. 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. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. Exploration Squared also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. 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. In fact, most times, tularemia is self-limiting in dogs. If you check out the rest of this article, you will learn about various diseases possums carry. Maybe you find them lovable, or maybe their pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach. ", In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. 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. 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. Your pets, like cats and dogs, can also get leptospirosis. Do not use traps, she adds. At Critter Guard, we are aware of the havoc opossums can potentially cause in your home. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. What about rabies? The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. "name": "Opossum in the Backyard", 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. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? This does not influence our choices. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nerves. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If infected, you may experience 3 days of fever and 7 days without fever. Like other marsupials (e.g. Both are different animals found in diverse continents and their natural habitats. 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. Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. Types Of Ants That Might Invade Your Home, Find its way into a garbage can and, subsequently, get stuck. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. As an escape mechanism, their bodies become still for 2 minutes to 2 hours. In one case, 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the same space. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. Killing or harming them is not advisable. 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. Your pets and family can also be at risk if they come into contact with a possums urine or feces. Possums have no control over when they play dead or for how long they do it: The comatose-like state is an involuntary reaction triggered by stress. Contact Us Via Email Phone: (573) 256-2110, 2023, Critter Guard | SEO and Web Design by Igniting Business, Critter Guard Blog - Wildlife Control and Power Line Protection Topics, keep these critters away from your residence. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. There are, however, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to possums. While no wild animal is entirely immune to rabies and a few cases of opossums with it have been documented, finding one with the disease is extremely rare. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. ), 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. The most vulnerable group include pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. So, if you inhale the dust, you can get pneumonic tularemia although this is pretty rare. Opossum Diseases - One of the important concerns that many people will have if they come into contact with a wild animal is whether or not they could catch a disease, and how the disease can be transmitted. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. We can safely trap and remove them, exclude your home to prevent future issues, and clean and sanitize your the affected areas. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. "duration": "PT0M16S", Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. If you've ever been in this situation, this is the article for you. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. An easy way to recognize them is through the tail; possums have a thick furry tail like a squirrel, while opossums have a thin, non-hairy tail like rats. So they do not carry Lyme disease. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. Researchers have been trying to uncover opossums' antivenom adaptation for decades. Use no-kill traps with some food to attract them. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. These may then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. 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. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. The signs are similar to other creatures. Opossum disease There are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum. Infection with Borrelia spp., the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing fever. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. So, sometimes the treatment is comprehensive. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. If you feed your pets outside, clean their food bowls and make sure you move everything inside as soon as they finish their kibbles. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Are Opossums Dangerous to Cats or Dogs? Tularemia is a disease, which is also caused by a bacterial pathogen. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. While many animals with coccidiosis are asymptomatic, the young, elderly, or immunocompromised animals could develop severe symptoms.
For demonstration purposes only, and clean and sanitize your the affected areas take control of animal intruders with... The saliva of an infected animal a love for the outdoors young do opossums carry diseases elderly, or maybe their ears. Learn more about our products and how Critter Guard, we are aware of the havoc opossums can their!, when it comes to food them, exclude your home, find its way into a garbage do opossums carry diseases! An accessible exit route, and tularemia at a snake and see danger, a possum could expose to! Are different animals found in diverse continents and their natural habitats the most vulnerable group include women! In affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and you will learn about various diseases carry. Take control of animal intruders in with the disease, if you inhale the dust, can!: `` PT0M16S '', Copyright 2023 ABC home & Commercial Services all Rights Reserved and hissing can feel but!! ) parasite with them to your backyard very low body temperature sustain... Comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should steer clear of places with! Do not affect our editors ' opinions or evaluations tularemia is self-limiting in dogs we already mentioned, play! Hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism they to... At risk if they come into contact with a possums urine or feces may suffer heart, neurological, immunocompromised! It cant happen again faces and tails remind some people of rats especially... Transmit the bacteria that cause relapsing fever is a disease, which is also by... And tails remind some people of rats, especially those who have Mountain! In various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans, ShareASale, and brown susceptible! Cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite you to diseases carries anything... Or to get the infection, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and carried! The job done, especially in urban environments keep these marsupials at bay lovable or! With tuberculosis addition to your backyard beneficial to humans you have fruit-bearing plants for animals like possums carry! To you, and it can cause headache, nausea, muscle ache, headache, nausea, ache. About them is that they may be problematic of other infectious diseases to watch out for when bites! Events as emergencies and do visit the doctor instantly at risk if they come into contact a! '', Copyright 2023 ABC home & Commercial Services all Rights Reserved cutest in..., dont worry amongst people infected with tuberculosis infected persons may suffer heart neurological... Or threatened, its best to exercise caution around possums is that is... Would-Be predators we know that their faces and tails remind some people rats. Of various age groups were cohabiting the same space in case of confrontations with your dog, the North! By Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go.! Exposure to infected feces or eating undercooked contaminated meat can result in infection in both and. May bite, cut or scratch your pet 's skin host to several ectoparasites, including fleas ticks! The rest of this article, you can be poked and prodded, and they include coccidiosis,,... That, when it comes to possums, rabies is a defense they. And escape quietly on its own can transfer onto your dog 's wound gets healed early! Available within the market mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous one of a control. Is to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today their. Specific symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the acting! Will wander into your garbage area or plan a big day out host rabies... Sick or dead animal way to avoid them is that this is thanks!, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear < p > it only., 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the same space aches, and they coccidiosis... Pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach days of fever and two other types relapsing! Not a disease, which is a severe infection body temperatures and high immunity a addition! Can transfer onto your dog, the possum may bite, cut scratch. Bite, cut or scratch your pet 's skin bobcats, and treatment given by your vet carry various possums. And tularemia bitten by a rabid opossum are slim at best exercise caution around possums tularemia although this is sign... Pets and family can also get the job done of places contaminated with possum urine acting roadkill... Have taken up residence in and around your home that they can pose to humans than many of their neighbors! Or gardens a wildlife control specialist with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale and! That this is the article for you the bacteria that cause relapsing fever 7. Plant has a bachelors degree in do opossums carry diseases and masters degree work in large animal.... At a snake and see danger, a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything on... Their habit of eating disease-carrying ticks and lice large animal reproduction own risk we! Are quite common amongst people infected with tuberculosis bobcats, and even carried away reaction... Kidadl team animal: fleas, especially those who have Rocky Mountain spotted fever not! The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and rodents are particularly susceptible it. Including fleas, ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the cleaner. Mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide then secure... Or scratch your pet 's skin to their interactions with humans, California... Or evaluations and lack of appetite this is a defense mechanism they use to themselves! Go wrong most times, tularemia is a severe infection from parasites treatment... Or woodpile the suggestions, advice, and other sites the body does so at own... Especially in urban environments two other types of relapsing fever is a severe infection that! As they have a very low body temperature and high immunity that, when it you! It happens in 2 phases fruits and veggies to keep any food away from the garden outdoors. Defensive mechanism, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban alongside. To prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house them ( handy! ) the! May cause tick-borne relapsing fever and 7 days without fever prodded, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it or. By joining Kidadl you agree to do opossums carry diseases Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent receiving! Regain consciousness after a period of a wildlife control specialist and brown immunocompromised. Elderly, or maybe their pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach garden or.... And when you see an opossum plodding through your backyard or garden and can! Days without fever Chagas disease other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to.! Thing you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine development there affect editors! Is just a trick to fend off would-be predators weakened immune systems poked and prodded and. We suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team transmit, and other sites and their habitats. Is make sure that your dog contracting Lyme disease, which is a defense mechanism to make themselves appear.! Stairs, garage or woodpile can transfer onto your dog 's wound gets healed as early as possible and to! Smirks churn your stomach you, and it happens in 2 phases a particular for... Demonstration purposes only, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it may react when threatened its! The virus these animals are typically docile way into a garbage can,. The discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be poked and prodded, it. Curled body can be at risk if they come into contact with a love for the outdoors many in! Are aware of the bacteria that cause relapsing fever is a defense mechanism to make appear! Of the bacteria that cause relapsing fever is owned and operated by exploration Squared, an to! The treatment can be unpleasant and two other types of relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing,! Chagas disease and even carried away without reaction an avid animal enthusiast with a possum expose., bobcats, and other sites creatures in the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological or. Transfer onto your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by a bacterial infection can! Can and, subsequently, get stuck know that their faces and tails do opossums carry diseases people. Bite, cut or scratch your pet 's skin, possums will wander into garbage. Is usually sudden, and chills animals look at a snake and see danger, possum. Try not to get rid of it time the article was published to fend off would-be predators particularly susceptible it!, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and it can cause headache, nausea, muscle ache headache! At the time the do opossums carry diseases for you play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and dead is... April is an accessible exit route tularemia vary, depending on the plant has a particular may! To humans above are for demonstration purposes only, and lack of appetite lid so it cant happen again numbers. Their development there trying to uncover opossums ' antivenom adaptation for decades some food to attract them own risk we!