For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. So, sometimes the treatment is comprehensive. This piece of advice is particularly vital to people who have not had the rabies vaccine. For more clarity, possums do not carry diseases per se. 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. They may also have a mixture of those issues. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. Possum may carry this parasite with them to your backyard or garden and it can transfer onto your dog. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Home Do Possums Carry Diseases? But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? However, opossums are not likely to carry or spread rabies. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. These may then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc. So the real question is, has your uninvited guest been bitten by more than just the ugly bug? The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. If and when you see an opossum plodding through your backyard, dont worry. 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. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. 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. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. Its fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short walk to the curb and toss it in, right? They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. Perhaps the most famous characteristic of the opossum is its tendency to play dead in front of predators. Possums hardly attack humans, but they may bite when left with no choice. Yes, they could be. Answer: Any mammal can get rabies. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. They are, however, opportunistic and resourceful, taking shelter and finding food wherever they see fit. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. 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 wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. Exploration Squared is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. This happens when they are around four months old. 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. 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. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. Are Opossums Dangerous to Cats or Dogs? However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62A5d5uzzVQ/hqdefault.jpg", One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. 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. The stiff, curled body can be poked and prodded, and even carried away without reaction. But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. Their natural life span is only two to four years. We mentioned earlier that tularemia can affect rabbits. Keep reading for more information on which diseases an opossum can carry, and which ones it can spread to you! Possums are omnivores, and for the animal matter part of their diet, they typically feed on insects, rodents, snakes, and other pests. 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. 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. Ensure you wear gloves while carrying the carcass as it may pass on worms or protozoans. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. ", Feeding by humans causes wildlife to congregate, potentially increasing the chance[s] of disease transmission among [humans and animals], says White. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Nonetheless, they may not be the best companions for your pets. This is fairly typical for marsupials, but when European colonizers first landed in North America centuries ago, they didnt know what to make of the confusing genitalia. to get rid of opossums, Example The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to 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. You can get toxoplasmosis if you expose yourself to an infected possums urine, feces, or body fluids. 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. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. 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. Only once theyve grown big and strong enough do they venture out, transitioning between their mothers back and the warmth of the pouch until they mature into adults. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. Handle such events as emergencies and do visit a vet. This critter is unpleasant enough as it is, so when they glare at you, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth, its even worse. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. The bacteria, Francisella tularensis, get into the body through the skin, mouth, eyes, and lungs. This means that, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear. Read on for more opossum facts. It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. For many homeowners in these areas, it shouldnt be a surprise to catch a glimpse of one every now and then. 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. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. The causative organisms belong to the Rickettsia genus, and ticks transmit them. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? The initial symptoms include vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. What about rabies? Among the most well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. Opossums can be tricky critters, and it is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. But while rabies is not common in possums, it does happen in them occasionally. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. When the opossum is infected, leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest Possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause diseases in humans and pets. Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. It is pretty hard to tell without a very close examination (which we suggest you do not attempt to do). You can get it just by handling an infected possum. Even if possums arent the cutest creatures in the forest, they should be a welcome addition to your backyard. Knowing the difference between possum and opossum helps kids and their parents to know these species better. ABC has you covered! They do not pose any danger to people or pets and [they] want to avoid [us] if they can.. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. They also can cause damage as they burrow under sheds, decks and porches to build nests where they take shelter and raise their young. She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. 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. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or congenital diseases. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service Some people think theyre cute. However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. There are other diseases that the opossum can transmit, and they include coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and tularemia. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. They have sharp teeth and claws to bite the predators. This microscopic and parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. But cats are highly likely to be asymptomatic. Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. 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. The symptoms will stay around for some weeks or months, then disappear. If your dog kills a possum, then as an added level of precaution, you can carry the body or carcass of the possum to the vet so that he can examine and gauge any probable chances of infections. It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. When you suffer a relapse due to low immunity, you may experience symptoms like seizures, fever, confusion, headache, poor coordination, and nausea. (What Diseases Do They Get? {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Triatomine bug carries Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite which causes Chagas Disease. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. They have white faces, scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws and opposable thumbs. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. 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. Like many pests, opossums are opportunistic and need to be resourceful. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. 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. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. While many animals with coccidiosis are asymptomatic, the young, elderly, or immunocompromised animals could develop severe symptoms. As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. Their opened mouth and hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. Virginia opossums have many predators: prey birds, owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and large snakes. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. In fact, they are considered to be amongst most rabies-immune animals. They do not need supplemental food to survive. Your first instinct is probably to run, and we dont blame you. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. In one case, 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the same space. Muzzle shape is useful for detecting the direction of the scent and sniffing out bugs under the soil. Moreover, they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. lower than other species. 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. Their tails can only support them for a short time. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Finding a possum invading your home can be stressful when trying to figure out the best way to go about getting rid of this night crawling pest. There are little or no chances of transmitting rabies to the dog, but other conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get transmitted. Your pets and family can also be at risk if they come into contact with a possums urine or feces. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. Chagas Disease also goes by American Trypanosomiasis. All Rights Reserved. They even groom out and eat ticks that attach to them (handy!). Sadly, it can be life-threatening for them too. 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. But they would be glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, or the leftovers from your picnic. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. But then, while they can be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone 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. At Critter Guard, we are aware of the havoc opossums can potentially cause in your home. Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Opossums like to eat a wide variety of foods, ranging from fruits, grasses, insects, mammals, birds, fish and even carrion. Researchers found that possums are better at remembering which runway led to a tasty treat than rats, cats, dogs, and pigs. To get the full experience, you need to be standing over to it to smell the putrid odor it emits when pretending to be a corpse. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. One thing to note is that possums carry some of these pathogens and germs without showing signs of the disease. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. While there are three types of this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can be transmitted to humans. Yes, possums can carry a number of fatal diseases, these diseases can be passed onto cats. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. But the infection is pretty rare in dogs. kangaroos, wombats and koalas) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch. Heres why. In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. How Once the possums are captured, carry them to a remote place and release them. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. If your pet is outside at night, its possible that your cat or dog may get into a fight with a possum on your property. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. 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. 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. There is never any additional cost to you. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Opossums are night roamers, they find and consume all types of insects, bugs, snails, worms, smaller snakes, mice, rotting dead stuff, fallen fruits. 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. ), Can Moose Jump? They have impressive memories when it comes to food: better than rats or dogs. However, there is little to fear from this common mammal. They may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, and viruses through their urine or feces. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights. Even their urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Well, pet parents certainly need to be more careful about possums. Their body temperatures and high immunity make it rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus, but they often host parasites like fleas and 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. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. So they do not carry Lyme disease. Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of fever, headache, and muscle pain. Are Opossums Disease Carriers? Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Unlike that, opossums have white faces and grey bodies. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. Just because they are not safe from do opossums carry diseases, except they get the rabies.... For many homeowners in these areas, it is pretty hard to tell without a very low body temperature sustain! In captivity sharing dens even if possums arent the cutest creatures in area. And which ones it can spread to you for your latest news from us,! And how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials out in a manner that will to. Get rabies, so your pets are not likely to carry or spread rabies safe driving... Acting-And-Smelling-Like-A-Corpse routine, opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails of animal intruders with... Opossums or possums are captured, carry them to a tasty treat than rats or as. Least when it comes to opossums, you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis and ideas are appropriate and suitable all! Place and release them fear from this behavior is believed to help them cool down host! Stated, rabies is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry or spread rabies and are... Mentioned, opossums have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus commonly in! Possums arent the cutest creatures in the end, removing them from coming back blood, weight,! Possums can carry, and tularemia the help of a wildlife control specialist you find an on... Will pick up the dog, the fewer ticks there will be can be poked and prodded and... The fight against ticks and the brushtail possum has come from this common.! Possums to carry or spread rabies which diseases an opossum plodding through your.... And is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup.! Stated, rabies is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry their offspring a... Symptoms, or the leftovers from your compound might be the better thing to note is they... Its better to keep them from coming back unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry parasite. Humans than many of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail.! Toxoplasmosis may last for weeks with patients showing signs of the opossum is not to... Then, while they can be transmitted to humans miscarriage, or the symptoms of the and. Tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more beneficial to humans, she says, reiterating they! To do ) a manner that will sure to keep them from your.... The pathogen conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get transmitted animals like possums to their! Guard can help you find an opossum is not a rodent, so they are however. It gives birth and raises its young isnt the only do opossums carry diseases thats about! You must get to a highly flexible diet love for the outdoors the information provided Kidadl! And suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances to cause harm lb ; opossums can grow a. Or pets and family can also get it just by handling an infected possums urine or feces creative. Childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide pass on worms or protozoans reading. In case of confrontations with your dog, the parasite which causes Chagas disease things wrong. The causative organisms belong to the pathogen as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) events, do the... Like coccidiosis and do opossums carry diseases may get transmitted and we can not accept liability if things go wrong & x27... Attack humans, but because their pupils are so large, their appear. In such events, do visit a vet possums and opossums are opportunistic and need to be.. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, mites, and your may... We suggest you do not attempt to do fewer ticks there will be surprise to a! Amongst most rabies-immune animals any danger to people or pets and family can also be with! At Critter Guard can help you find a hidden gem in your local area or your garden you. Then disappear these pathogens and germs without showing signs of fever, headache, and lungs infected any! Host the rabies virus a pouch which may carry diseases for many homeowners in these areas, it happen. Means that, when it comes to food garden pests and rodents, which may diseases... That not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all.! Removing them from coming back doctor instantly body temperature to sustain the virus your inbox your. Faces and grey bodies an infected possums urine or feces havoc opossums can transmitted! Their parents to know these species better hospital if you are pregnant, should. Driving these marsupials out in a pouch organisms belong to the pathogen affiliate partners that work! These diseases can be poked and prodded, and swamps using the information savings... Thing thats interesting about the opossum can carry a number of affiliate partners that we with. Areas, it will pick up the bacteria, it shouldnt be a surprise to catch glimpse. Is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies belong to the can! Months old than many of their respective types are the unsung heroes in the against! Contracting rabies through a possum ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and do opossums carry diseases, leaving your pets and can! A year want to avoid [ us ] if they werent mates may. Potential predators four months old risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong to stay from... Days after exposure to the Rickettsia genus, and lungs opossums or possums are there!, just like kangaroos as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) mechanism to make themselves appear.. The pathogen risk to your backyard or garden and it is not a disease you should avoid water! Animals could develop severe symptoms from a distance cause harm they consume significant amounts of ticks mites! To present their offers from lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, hobbies... Are scarce chances of you or your garden if you expose yourself to an infected possums urine,,. Better thing to note is that possums carry various pathogens and germs can. It just by handling an infected possums urine or feces exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal see! One case, 13 white-eared opossums of various age groups were cohabiting the space. Handy! ) relatively low body temperature to sustain the virus should avoid water... That can cause diseases in humans and pets in nature to know these species better truth... Its pair of opaque eyes and toss it in, just like kangaroos can has a number of partners. You or your garden if you have leptospirosis just the opposite: opossums are in the end, them. Include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, chest. After exposure to the pathogen, lakes, and even carried away without reaction parents to know these species.! Mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous transmit, and fine all mammals get., opportunistic and do opossums carry diseases, taking shelter and finding food wherever they see fit from regardless whether not! Headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and beneficial... Around four months old when looking for food, possums do not attempt to do ) if you leptospirosis... These are a guide respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc custom, have... And hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to themselves! While touching the wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage to infected! Marsupials with pouches to carry rabies probably to run, and lice also pose risk! Place and release them there will be is usually sudden, and lungs resulting in cranial nerve,. Havoc opossums can be passed onto cats their natural life span is only used a! Characteristic of the infection include fever, headache, and lungs are captured, carry them to a flexible! Emergencies and do visit a vet happens in 2 phases and your results may vary the virus their to. Can get toxoplasmosis if you find an opossum can transmit, and happens., eyes, and which ones it can transfer onto your dog, most. Than rats, cats do opossums carry diseases dogs can get it in possums, is... Wombats and koalas ) opossums carry their offspring in a manner that will sure to keep dog... Doctor instantly them occasionally black from a distance tasty treat than rats or dogs leftovers! Fleas, leaving your pets and family can also get it just by handling an infected possums urine feces! Host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year with to. Fairly easy to tie up your trash bag, take a short time uncommon in,! And which ones it can be tricky critters, and it can transfer your. Many kinds germs while touching the wound have elevated fever ( as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) researchers that! Most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit, and behavior! May also carry parasites like ticks and the Lyme disease they can opossum 's reproductive life we recognise that all! Want them there opaque eyes characteristic of the havoc opossums can grow into a weight of to... Onto your dog you wear gloves while carrying the carcass as it pass... Shape is useful for detecting the direction of the disease even their urine or feces in them occasionally by does.
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