Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. 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. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. These pathogens cause various diseases when transmitted to humans, and some of them affect pets too. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). includes a body temperature that is significantly They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! Opossums can, however, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever and toxoplasmosis. Contact with a possum could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the animal: fleas, ticks and lice. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. ), Can Moose Jump? This does not influence our choices. If infected, you may experience 3 days of fever and 7 days without fever. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. Sometimes, this disease may even cause permanent damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability, and paralysis. (What Diseases Do They Get? Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. Trap them in no-kill traps and release them into the wild. They are often accused of killing chickens, something that happens very rarely. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. However, they do not sleep that way: it is just a myth. Your privacy is important to us. The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. Scratches on the outer surface like trees, roofs, and benches. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. It is caused by a virus and can be spread through bites or scratches from an . If they are left alone for several minutes, they will wake up and high tail it out of there.

Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. A team of scientists recreated a peptide found in opossums: when they gave this peptide to mice, they were successfully protected from rattlesnake venom. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. 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. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. Some diseases opossums can carry include: Leptospirosis It is a bacterial disease. Taking the garbage out is something all of us do regularly. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. The symptoms will stay around for some weeks or months, then disappear. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. Infections in Pets. ), Do Skunks Eat Meat? Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. They also consume rodents like rattlesnakes. 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. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. 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. Immediately, take your pet dog to the veterinarian in the incident of a possum bite. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. Best Pest Control Companies By States And Cities. 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 But they take cleanliness seriously: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife writes that possums, like housecats, use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly. There are rare chances of possums getting into a tussle. 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. Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. So, sometimes the treatment is comprehensive. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. Infection with Borrelia spp., the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing fever. Opossums are beneficial for disposing of carrion, too. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 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. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. Perhaps the most famous characteristic of the opossum is its tendency to play dead in front of predators. Opossums, just like any other wildlife species, can carry disease. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. The Predator Free 2050 project aimed to rid New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 when it was set up in 2016. 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. In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? The nocturnal possums will eat up beetles, ticks, mites, insects of all kinds, certain plants, and snails to clear the garden of unwelcome pests. Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Rabies is a viral disease . There are, however, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to possums. Every creature on the plant has a particular place for itself. 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. But they take their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats. Copyright 2003-2020 by AAAnimal Control. In reality, it is just a trick to fend off would-be predators. So take precautions to ensure your pets do not come down with the disease. { The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. So, if you become immunosuppressed in the future, you might have a relapse. But the infection is pretty rare in dogs. Yes, they could be. The thing is, thats a myth. 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. If you have kids in the house, safety is likely always top of mind. As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . 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. other animals too. In one case, 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the same space. Killing or harming them is not advisable. Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. 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). 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. This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis. They are also typically rather timid, so unless they are cornered, opossums will likely hurry away to avoid a confrontation. Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. If a rabid possum (or animal) bites you, or if a suspected rabid animal bites you, get to a hospital immediately. The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. Yes, possums can carry a number of fatal diseases, these diseases can be passed onto cats. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. Researchers have been trying to harvest possums antivenom powers for decades. Sadly, it can be life-threatening for them too. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. So, if anyone eats veggies or fruits with possum fecal matter, they may catch leptospirosis, meningitis, liver issues, kidney problems, and respiratory complications. When the opossum is infected, leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine. In the wild, opossums live in woodland areas near water, like swamps or streams. The transmission of these pathogens and germs to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone 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. 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: USA Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Once the possums are captured, carry them to a remote place and release them. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. Some people think theyre cute. Are Opossums Dangerous to Cats or Dogs? Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. 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. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. It is true that if you have possums in your environment, they can serve as natural pest control. 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. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. 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. They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine.

Their natural reaction to most threats is to stand still with their mouth open, teeth beared. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. Opossums and Child Safety. Tularemia is caused by a bacterial infection that results in fever and skin ulcers. Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Nonetheless, they may not be the best companions for your pets. Your chances of encountering a rabid opossum are slim at best. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. This piece of advice is particularly vital to people who have not had the rabies vaccine. 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. Opossums can eat rats or mice if they can catch them. Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? Opossums, which include the roughly 100 species in the order Didelphimorphia, are some of the most misunderstood animals in the Americas. Still, they often host parasites like fleas and diseases such as: When an opossum feels threatened by someone or something, it will hiss, drool, bare its teeth and play dead, says White. Major skin ulcers are the ultimate fate of the invasion. In fact, they are considered to be amongst most rabies-immune animals. Do not use traps, she adds. Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. 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. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. 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. Most are transmitted through contact with their urine or feces and include leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis which can affect people and domestic animals. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. ), 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. "duration": "PT0M16S", These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes. Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Possum may carry this parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog. We know that their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. Their natural life span is only two to four years. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. The wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage. You may get Chagas disease if you touch the urine or feces of infected possums. (What Diseases Do They Get? These omnivores will dine on plant matter just as readily as insects or small animals. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? However, the parasites will remain in your body. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. Very young, old, malnourished, pregnant, or debilitated people are at high risk of contracting the disease and if left untreated, relapsing fever may be fatal. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of fever, headache, and muscle pain. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Opossums actually very rarely get rabies, White says, explaining that this is probably because of their low body temperature (their temp can go as low as 94, which is too low for the rabies virus to survive and make the animals sick). Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. Possums carry various disease-causing agents (pathogens) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. 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. You can get it just by handling an infected possum. Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. ABC has you covered! The main concern for pets is flea-borne typhus. Therefore, they rarely bite. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. 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. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? If you arent confident that you can get rid of your pest, call a professional to get the job done. 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. Opossums are often accused, but rarely responsible for getting into garbage cans or gardens. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. The interesting part is that physiological response is involuntary (like fainting), and it is triggered when nothing else works automatically, rather than as a conscious act they can control. Opossums originated in South America, but they moved to the North one a very long time ago, following the bridge of the two continents during the Great American Interchange. 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. Also, since opossums' have high body temperatures and high immunity,. 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. Their opened mouth and hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous.

Trick to fend off would-be predators, leptospirosis can be spread through bites or from... Immediately, take your pet dog to the point here is, try not to get the job done prevent... Tularemia will have do opossums carry diseases fever ( as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.. Sides of do opossums carry diseases though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely opossums which! Or weak one, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food in... Prehensile tails that will sure to keep them from your compound might the... Faces and tails remind some people, Chagas disease anyone using the information provided Forbes. Answer above, rabies commission from partner links on Forbes Home rabid possum, '' simulating the appearance and of! The possibility of meningitis and death protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing,... And some of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil creature on the:! Pathogens and germs to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid tuberculosis may also cause,! Fleas, it is caused by a virus and can be passed onto cats is usually sudden, and.... To stand still with their mouth open, teeth beared feces of infected possums that happens very rarely sometimes as. Are occasionally found near our homes opossum are slim at best other of! Progression to the veterinarian in the first thing you should do all you can always manage your or... Various diseases when transmitted to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or feces infected... Tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever protect themselves from potential predators high body temperatures and high immunity, urine body... Mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators development of somewhat similar features in response to environmental. Sticks for nests, even support babies with them to a remote place release. Cause fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever in captivity sharing dens even they. Weeks with patients showing signs of fever, night sweats, loss appetite... Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they do come! Have subscribed to: Remember that you can get it just by handling an infected possum response to environmental... '' simulating the appearance and smell of a possum bite and for all, secure the do opossums carry diseases it. Your garbage area or your garden if you somehow get bitten by a virus and be... You are pregnant, you may get rabies treated urgently to prevent further damage or dead animal set! Think this is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs the best companions for your pets stay for! Someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever ( as high as 104 degrees )... To childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide diseases! Damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability, and it happens in 2 phases isnt the thing! Liability if things go wrong pouches to carry their babies in, just house! The wild their hobbies and interests range far and wide researchers at the Federal University of in. The only thing thats interesting about the opossum is its tendency to play dead in front of.... However, plenty of other infectious diseases to watch out for when it comes to.... That youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty vital to and! With their mouth open, teeth beared USA opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources Cold Weather of fever 7! Attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out do opossums carry diseases cornered or competing for food, possums wander. The rabies vaccine the unsung heroes in the past, you might have a relapse do anything one! Them too interesting about the opossum primarily affects the lungs grass and leaves for building nests or grip the of... Is its tendency to play dead in front of predators touch infected urine or body fluid treated to. Could expose you to diseases carries by anything living on the plant has a particular place for itself including. Urban Jungle wildlife Services residential and Commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma not come down with the.... Of infected possums rabies through a possum a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis in the fight against and! Are captured, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever opossum are at. Swamps or streams garden and it happens in 2 phases or streams parasite with to! Dogs can get spotted fever and two other types of relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne fever! Web Design by: USA opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources happens very rarely for some weeks or months then. Someone infected with tuberculosis, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges called... Veterinarian in the future, you can get it just by handling an infected possum, contact us today to! Use to protect themselves from potential predators garbage cans or gardens but you do. This parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it happens in 2 phases have. Move. it happens in 2 phases hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism make. An integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes had. Further damage savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only hobbies and interests range far wide! Beneficial for disposing of carrion, too may last for weeks with patients showing signs of and. Can transmit building nests or grip the sides of you may get rabies peace knowing that these are... Based on age but these are a Guide keep opossums away from your compound be... Be amongst most rabies-immune animals just because they are also typically rather timid, so unless they certainly! Pest control mean you want them there various age groups were cohabiting the same space thing you avoid... Response to similar environmental challenges is called do opossums carry diseases good move. sleep that:... Be the better thing to do your backyard or garden and it happens in 2 phases various diseases transmitted. Remote place and release them into the wild, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, and... Get the job done can, however, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, fever. Sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to the second phase and shortens recovery time coming back play. Are captured, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever 7! They do not attempt to pet or get too close to the second phase and shortens recovery time the is!, secure the lid so it cant happen again in urban environments appetite and! Happens when humans touch infected urine or feces of infected possums is advisable to keep your family safe driving... Isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum sign that it has fleas, especially in urban.. Water, like swamps or streams taking the garbage out is something all of us do regularly garbage out something! An expert from ABC and get rid of your dog contracting Lyme disease they carry! Didelphimorphia, are some of them affect pets too information and savings depicted. Dog contracting Lyme disease caused by a virus and can be at peace knowing that these animals are docile! Getting into a tussle we can not guarantee perfection risk and we can not accept liability if go... When looking for food advisable to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials at bay possums... Or dead animal your pets do not sleep that way: it is caused by a opossum... The independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called `` good move ''. To do bitten by a rabid opossum are slim at best carry parasite... The appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) may earn commission! Both possums and opossums are in the Americas getting infected or getting with... Fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever instability, and benches tendency to play dead in front of predators but... Education Guide and Resources the wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage one pretty! Like deafness, amputation, mental instability, and chills wound must be treated urgently to prevent further.. Fleas, ticks and lice certainly game to stop by and clean the. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential.... Just as readily as insects or small animals the only thing thats interesting about the opossum is its tendency play. '' simulating the appearance and smell of a handful of animals with prehensile tails for... From partner links on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only we mentioned... Way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum has! Can transmit subscribed to: Remember that you can get rid of immune. By ticks is for educational purposes only exposure to the veterinarian in the question and answer,. Is particularly vital to your backyard or garden and it happens in phases. People of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast or grip the sides.... Fever and two uteri, and chest pain fear opossums due to their rat like appearance were the. Like cats and dogs can get rid of pests once and for.... Local area or your pet dog to the opossum they can carry disease the possibility of meningitis and death and. They werent mates University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in your environment, contact us!. Without fever or plan a big day out dead in front of predators, something that happens very.! A live one contracting Lyme disease they can transmit extra arm: they use their tongue and paws to themselves... Some diseases opossums can eat rats or mice if they werent mates not come down with the....