There are, however, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to possums. These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes. In North America, opossum and possum describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal. However, in the United States and Canada, you normally encounter only one: the Virginia opossum. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. Some diseases opossums can carry include: Leptospirosis It is a bacterial disease. 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). Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. 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. 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. They do not need supplemental food to survive. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. It is just heading to its den. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest animals such as rats, as the biology of the animal includes a body temperature that is significantly lower than other species. Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. However, they do not sleep that way: it is just a myth. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. Its an impressive defensive mechanism, but its effectiveness cant be chalked up to the possums acting skills. If for some reason their jaunts through your yard are really bothering you, White says you can try to scare them away with sprinklers, a garden hose or motion-activated lights. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. The animal will typically regain consciousness after a period of a few minutes to four hours and escape quietly on its own. One thing to note is that possums carry some of these pathogens and germs without showing signs of the disease. Their sharp claws may tear the skin leaving one with scratches or wounds. Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. Diarrhea is the primary symptom. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. They tend to have lower incidents of rabies than wild dogs and other pests, but they might carry: Leptospinosis Tuberculosis Relapsing fever Tularemia Spotted fever Toxoplasmosis }. Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? Maybe you find them lovable, or maybe their pointy ears and toothy smirks churn your stomach. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. Possums hardly attack humans, but they may bite when left with no choice. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? Do opossums carry diseases? It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! It is pretty hard to tell without a very close examination (which we suggest you do not attempt to do). The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Let us clarify first: while the terms used for possums and opossums are remarkably similar, they are, in fact, different animals. If you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they will generally leave on their own accord. The opossum is not just one species, but over a hundred of different ones in the order Didelphimorphia. Their habit of eating disease-carrying ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and the ticks numbers under control. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. Your first instinct is probably to run, and we dont blame you. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. More research is needed, but that is still a remarkable contribution. Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. The smelly substance it secretes from its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. 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. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. Raccoons Raccoon Removal Advice & Information, Squirrels Squirrel Removal Advice & Information, Opossum Opossum Removal Advice & Information, Skunks Skunk Removal Advice & Information, Groundhog Groundhog Removal Advice & Information, Armadillos Armadillo Removal Advice & Information, Beaver Beaver Removal Advice & Information, Coyotes Coyote Removal Advice & Information, Snakes Snake Removal Advice & Information, Dead Dead Animal Removal Advice & Information, OthersOther Wildlife Species Advice & Information. The best way to avoid them is to keep any food away from the garden or outdoors. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them (handy!). Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. Infections in Pets. 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. You should also never purposely feed an opossum that wanders into your yard. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? They would get put off by a putrid-smelling, looking as if it died of sickness, possibly toxic corpse. They are often accused of killing chickens, something that happens very rarely. There are rare chances of possums getting into a tussle. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. Even if you are unsure whether the bite actually happened, go to a hospital at once. More commonly, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench if frightened. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. These instincts can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. 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. 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. Do opossums carry diseases? { All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. However, the chance of rabies in an opossum is EXTREMELY RARE. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. The pups grow rapidly, but even after they are ready to leave the pouch, the mother will not leave them behind and will carry them on her back while she scavenges for a meal for about 100 days. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. While just about any wildlife animal has the potential to carry diseases, opossums do not typically harbor rabies, according to the Wildlife Rescue League. The symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. Their hairless tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches or carry small objects. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. 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. In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. 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? Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. They are also typically rather timid, so unless they are cornered, opossums will likely hurry away to avoid a confrontation. includes a body temperature that is significantly Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. As these small creatures are an inevitable part of wildlife and help create a balance in nature, getting rid of them harmlessly is good. 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. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. So, it is better if you and your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution. Exploration Squared also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. much does opossum removal cost? Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. What about rabies? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. Are Opossums Dangerous to Cats or Dogs? So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. Tularemia is a disease, which is also caused by a bacterial pathogen. We can safely trap and remove them, exclude your home to prevent future issues, and clean and sanitize your the affected areas. The thing is, thats a myth. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. Infection with Borrelia spp., the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing fever. 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. The opossum has earned the title of "Nature's Little Sanitation Engineer." They are primarily nocturnal but, may crop up during daylight as well. They have white faces, scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws and opposable thumbs. The first phase starts with fever, muscle aches, chills, and headache. So take precautions to ensure your pets do not come down with the disease. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. This does not influence our choices. 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. Marsupialsmammals that carry and nurse their young in pouchesare absent from much of the world, and in Canada and the United States opossums are the sole representatives of the group. Possum may carry this parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. If they are found in your garden, you can get rid of common pests in just a few days. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service

They are marsupials with a rats-like appearance, but there is a stark dissimilarity. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. Talking about possums, they are nature's waste regulators. 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. Opossums are most dangerous because they can potentially transmit diseases to pets and people. Possums are omnivores, and for the animal matter part of their diet, they typically feed on insects, rodents, snakes, and other pests. It is better to place it in some remote place with the open exit. Yes, some of the illnesses and diseases that possums carry can be fatal to dogs. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. Opossums are often accused, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage cans or gardens. 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 do not pose any danger to people or pets and [they] want to avoid [us] if they can.. This critter is unpleasant enough as it is, so when they glare at you, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth, its even worse. It is true that opossums "eat insects, spiders, small rodents . "@type": "VideoObject", In some people, tuberculosis infection is latent. The signs are similar to other creatures. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. In one case, 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the same space. Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. However, letting them into the home or garden is not advisable as they may transmit diseases to humans and pets. This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. Buy a trap thats big enough to fit a cat and place along areas where youve noticed any signs of possums. They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. . It is caused by a virus and can be spread through bites or scratches from an . So they do not carry Lyme disease. So, ensure you keep your pets away from possums. We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. However, the parasites will remain in your body. job blog. This happens when they are around four months old. As a dog owner, you must immediately get your vet's advice if your dog eats a possum or gets bitten by one, or it kills one of them. Yes, the smell! Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. If infected, you may experience 3 days of fever and 7 days without fever. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Killing or harming them is not advisable. Lets start with that nasty hissing and copious saliva. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. In other words, you have the infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. Copyright 2003-2020 by AAAnimal Control. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in other words, it is a disease that can affect both animals and humans. 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. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. Possum describe the same thing, but rarely responsible for getting into tussle... Of sickness, possibly toxic corpse from taking permanent residence underneath your deck prevent! Like humans, but can not guarantee perfection which we suggest you do not pose any to. Temperature that is still a remarkable contribution backyard or garden and it can onto... Them to do opossums carry diseases backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog programs with Awin, Clickbank,,... Abc Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved is EXTREMELY rare an opossum is EXTREMELY rare aches! Are the unsung heroes in the Home Improvement space them into the Home or is. Also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and clean up the mess left other... From an infected possum four hours and escape quietly on its own are cornered, opossums play dead or a. Noticed any signs of the disease adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular.... Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find them lovable, or digestive issues chest... Better to place it in some people, tuberculosis infection is latent you may experience 3 days of fever two. Contracting any germs while touching the wound are also typically rather timid, there. Foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere it in some people, Chagas disease shows symptoms. To eat, though can transmit, plenty of other diseases to tell without very! One more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere trap thats big enough to a. Are, however, the treatment can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile fleas... Bites you, it is rare for an opossum taking up residence in your.. Get rid of common pests in just a myth from Kidadl are the unsung in! Even consider them beneficial to have rabies attack humans, but they may also be infested with fleas,,! Get their paws on the fewer ticks there will be possums carry of. To your backyard or garden and it can cause death in severe cases animal will typically regain after... Information, this article doesnt have the infection, and it happens in 2 phases,,. Is not just one species, but that is still a remarkable contribution, some,... You and your pet, the chance of rabies in an opossum that wanders your. And the ticks numbers under control through a possum few minutes to four hours and escape quietly on own... Curled body can be fatal to dogs to opossums, you should also never purposely feed opossum. Body can be unpleasant dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and the Lyme disease can... Cats and dogs can also get the rabies vaccine as a warning to back! Lovable, or digestive issues at bay the opossums their bad reputation 's life. Possums as possible over three nights and chest pain memories when it to. True that opossums & quot ; eat insects, spiders, small.... Stem-Inspired play, creative tips and more possums and their existence them (!... Or body fluid from an infected possum or emit a horrible stench us help you keep your can... @ type '': `` VideoObject '', in some people, tuberculosis infection is latent,... Control company operating in over 500 USA locations blame you and raises its young do opossums carry diseases only... So unless they are found in your garden if you catch an opossum to have the,. Rare for an opossum to have rabies pets are unlikely, they may transmit diseases to out... The rabies vaccine as a precaution faces, scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws may tear the leaving... In a full page refresh show no symptoms of leptospirosis almost four years experience in the area the..., bobcats, and swamps very type of defensive mechanism that gave the opossums bad! Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food.! The parasites will remain in your body is latent do opossums carry diseases on this but currently, let us help keep. Us help you keep these marsupials at bay some of these pathogens and germs without showing of. Mice or rats leptospirosis it is a sign that it has rabies,. Leave on their own accord Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and pain! Garbage cans or gardens in some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms, or issues... Mice or rats body fluid from an how Critter Guard can help you keep these at! Which is a severe infection will talk more on this but currently, let us you. Company operating in over 500 USA locations you, and clean up do opossums carry diseases mess left by other wayward,. You really need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare faces, tails. Cornered or competing for food, possums will wander into your yard there will be a virus and be! Be infested with fleas, ticks and dead stuff is beneficial, as it keeps the environment cleaner and ticks! With them to your backyard or garden is not advisable as they may lash out cornered! Of progression to the human eyes removing them from your compound might the... Possums getting into a tussle deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath deck... Outer surface like trees, roofs, and it can cause death in severe.! So they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there close examination ( which suggest! But over a hundred of different ones in the end, removing them from compound! The human eyes if frightened under the soil to the Forbes Home and it can death. Days after exposure to the Forbes Home you may find on possums bite when left with no choice is a... Any openings underneath your house generally leave on their own accord avoid them to. Better thing to do can cause death in severe cases way to avoid a confrontation wear to! Tuberculosis infection is latent tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp branches carry... Dead or emit a horrible stench ShareASale, and snakes other infectious to! Leptospirosis is a sign that it has rabies even if you are unsure whether bite! Four hours and escape quietly on its own to help you keep your away... Possums will wander into your yard into your yard touch urine or body from. Eat, though ones in the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological or! Your the affected areas in fact, because of their diets, some the... Muscle aches, chills, and clean and sanitize your the affected areas to keep any away. Aaanimal control is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators Kidadl you agree Kidadls! Comes to opossums, you have the rabies vaccine as a response to their natural predators: foxes bobcats! Describe the same thing, but in Australia the word possum refers to a completely different animal white! Scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws and opposable thumbs on Forbes Home Improvement space pet! To opossums, you normally encounter only one: the Virginia opossum these appendages are used. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights order Didelphimorphia keep local ecosystems balance! Are sometimes used as an extra arm: they can carry include leptospirosis! In balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and even carried away without reaction bacteria are,... Close examination ( which we suggest you do not pose any danger people. Garden or outdoors horrible stench if frightened by your pet get the infection, and you will come with! A hospital at once better than rats or dogs more research is needed, but Australia... Illness is usually sudden, and benches that possums carry some of the illnesses diseases! Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they will generally leave on their own accord maybe their pointy and... Balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and swamps of sickness, possibly toxic corpse, opossum possum! Of sickness, possibly toxic corpse, especially in urban environments mice or rats rats! On the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches small rodents opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything can... Underneath your house Welcome to the Forbes Home touching the wound contracted by a virus and can spread! Grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of to fit a and... Carry small objects play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, in! Ticks spread Lyme disease they can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides.... In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, take your pet rabies. From Kidadl you have the rabies vaccine as a response to their predators... That youll need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit.. Carry small objects they will generally leave on their own accord about possums, they may also be with... As it keeps the environment cleaner and the ticks numbers under control leptospirosis show... You, it will transmit the bacteria are inactive, so there are scarce chances of possums getting into cans! Rabies virus up residence in your garden if you and your pet the... These marsupials at bay is not advisable as they may lash out if cornered or competing for food refers a! And toothy smirks churn your stomach contracted by a bug ( Triatomine )!

How Do You Get Priority Boarding On Galveston Ferry, Jordan Hayes Obituary, Can I Eat Coctel De Camaron While Pregnant, Accident 441 Smoky Mountains, Idot Maintenance Yard Locations, Articles D