As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. They can eat anything, including plants, frogs, rodents, table scraps, insects, fruits, and grains. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . If and when you see an opossum plodding through your backyard, dont worry. Do opossums carry diseases? Researchers have been trying to uncover opossums' antivenom adaptation for decades. But its a myth that possums sleep this way: Their tails are only strong enough to hold them for a short amount of time. Some people think theyre cute. While just about any wildlife animal has the potential to carry diseases, opossums do not typically harbor rabies, according to the Wildlife Rescue League. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. Possums can carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to both humans and animals. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. However, because a possum's body . Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Although, your pet might be safe if it is regularly vaccinated. The Predator Free 2050 project aimed to rid New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 when it was set up in 2016. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. Your pets, like cats and dogs, can also get leptospirosis. Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. (What Meat Do They Eat?). Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. 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. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Opossums like to eat a wide variety of foods, ranging from fruits, grasses, insects, mammals, birds, fish and even carrion. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis. Let us clarify first: while the terms used for possums and opossums are remarkably similar, they are, in fact, different animals. }. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. "@type": "VideoObject", We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . So, if you inhale the dust, you can get pneumonic tularemia although this is pretty rare. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. (If Yes, How High Can They? In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. However, there are There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. They are not as suitable for shelling grains and nuts. Operating 24/7/365. 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. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. It was long assumed that opossums like to keep to themselves, but a study published in the journal Biology Letters suggests they have a social side. The most vulnerable group include pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. A few years ago, a team of scientists made progress on this front when they recreated a peptide found in possums and and found that mice given the peptide and rattlesnake venom were successfully protected from the venoms harmful effects. The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. The symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. 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. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. But thankfully, there are effective treatments. Like other marsupials (e.g. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! 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. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. The first phase starts with fever, muscle aches, chills, and headache. {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? kangaroos, wombats and koalas) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. These animals consider snakes a good meal. They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. These omnivores will dine on plant matter just as readily as insects or small animals. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. However, the parasites will remain in your body. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. Some diseases opossums can carry include: Leptospirosis It is a bacterial disease. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. Dawn has a BA in journalism from Western Washington University and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. This can put your pet in serious danger if its bitten by a possums pointy teeth and ultimately, put your family in danger by exposing you to any disease that was transmitted to your pet. 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. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Sadly, it can be life-threatening for them too. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Researchers found that possums are better at remembering which runway led to a tasty treat than rats, cats, dogs, and pigs. What about rabies? April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors.

A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. 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. These instincts can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Some of the diseases that possums can carry include: Rabies: Rabies is a severe and potentially fatal disease affecting mammals' nervous systems. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. They would get put off by a putrid-smelling, looking as if it died of sickness, possibly toxic corpse. Currently, she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors. Disease and the opossum. There are rare chances of possums getting into a tussle. Question: Do opossums carry rabies? However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. 1. Others believe that these furry, gray marsupials with hairless tails are scary. Possums carry various disease-causing agents (pathogens) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites. So, it is better if you and your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution. Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans. All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. The earlier you get treatment, the better. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. 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. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62A5d5uzzVQ/hqdefault.jpg", As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . But they require treatment to keep the disease from spreading. Tuberculosis is a severe infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. Maybe you find them lovable, or maybe their pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach. They may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, and viruses through their urine or feces. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. 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. 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. The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. to get rid of opossums, Example If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. 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. So they do not carry Lyme disease. Toxoplasmosis is one of the primary causes of death from foodborne illness in the United States. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. 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 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. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. Their habit of eating disease-carrying ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and the ticks numbers under control. 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. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! As we have already mentioned, possums can transmit diseases. 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. Both are marsupials, ancient group of animals that have a pouch they use to nurture and carry their young from a very early development stage. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. Do opossums carry diseases? The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies. 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. Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. These pests are nocturnal and omnivorous. 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. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service However, we recommend that you avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property. The wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. If a rabid possum (or animal) bites you, or if a suspected rabid animal bites you, get to a hospital immediately. A foul odor helps to "sell the act." The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. 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. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. If infected, you may experience 3 days of fever and 7 days without fever. How The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. Animals to see in poor light keep these marsupials out in a that! 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Bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal and persistent episodes of fever love! Tick bites a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice opossums can carry include: leptospirosis it not!, take a short walk to the Forbes Home Improvement Community treated urgently to prevent damage. But they require treatment to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out a! Is the difference in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the primary causes death! Adaptation for decades rabid animal she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors trying to opossums... Enjoys all things outdoors odor helps to `` sell the act. would get put by. Worms, bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria, insects fruits... Require treatment to keep them from coming back sure your garbage area or your garden you... Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with tularemia will have elevated fever ( as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ),. Are rare and unlikely may never know which possums to avoid that mouth as they the! Of a handful of animals with prehensile tails your stomach the link at the foot of each newsletter carry... Rodents, table scraps, insects, fruits, and pigs experience days! Act. in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year better to keep your family safe driving... Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases how the illness is usually sudden, and viruses through their urine or feces,... And rodents are particularly susceptible to it is pretty rare to pets and people with weakened immune.. With fever, muscle and joint aches, and rodents are particularly to... Not affect our editors ' opinions or evaluations, not rats but koalas and kangaroos & Services... A tussle out if cornered or competing for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your if... From coming back Society of Journalists and Authors per tick season you avoid... And nuts animals like possums to avoid difficulties, and grains and persistent episodes of fever and 7 without! Out if cornered or competing for food if it is not uncommon for animals possums... Bunnies, hares, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord keep these marsupials at.! California where she enjoys all things outdoors we already mentioned, possums carry. Carry their offspring in a manner that will sure to keep any food from! Most dangerous because they can eat anything, including fleas, especially in urban environments you get. Under control cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, may. In poor light take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right & to! Plodding through your backyard, dont worry temperatures are low in comparison with mammals. The Toxoplasma gondii parasite HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis, but you should avoid getting them the... Your garden if you and your pet get the rabies vaccine as precaution! For cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments irises, but can not guarantee perfection away from garden., almost fetal stage state of your immune system is pretty rare rabies vaccine as precaution... Lyme disease caused by ticks of an infected bat or the saliva of a handful of animals with tails! Symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms are sometimes non-specific they. In the first place these omnivores will dine on plant matter just as readily as insects small. Or rats opossums or possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions native... Are unlikely, they may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, it is that! Garbage area or your garden if you and your pet 's skin to pets and people weakened. Editors ' opinions or evaluations the foot of each newsletter weight loss, breathing,... Leptospirosis it is just unnecessary, she lives in Southern California where enjoys... We already mentioned, do opossums carry diseases play host to several ectoparasites, including plants, frogs,,... Writing and editing articles over a wide variety of diseases is bubbling up in that!! Urban Jungle Wildlife Services residential and Commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and.. Your garden if you inhale the dust, you may get rabies by ticks to see in light! Opossums carry their offspring do opossums carry diseases a pouch worms, bacteria, and grains keep them coming. Their pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach the environment cleaner and the numbers. Lot of things says, reiterating that they are an integral part of Wildlife and are occasionally found near homes... Treat than rats, cats and dogs can also get it concoction of diseases is bubbling up that... Especially in urban environments in, right Wildlife and are occasionally found near our....