Do opossums carry diseases? The more opossums are in the area, the fewer ticks there will be. It is pretty hard to tell without a very close examination (which we suggest you do not attempt to do). plenty of conditions that can be carried, and are This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Your resident opossum might be just a bump in the night, but it could also be a carrier of leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella and tuberculosis. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. Exploration Squared also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. Well, it depends. They discovered the benefits of living side-by-side with humans very fast, so they sometimes lodge in barns, sheds, or under houses. These little scavengers also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and snakes. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. They also like roadkill, and are known to eat ticks that they find in their own fur while grooming their bodies. Hiking Boots vs. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. 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. Even their urine or feces may cause harmful diseases if ingested. 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. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. Disease and the opossum. So, if you somehow get bitten by a rabid possum, you may get rabies. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. Do opossums carry diseases? Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. They are tiny and naked to the human eyes. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. This can put your pet in serious danger if its bitten by a possums pointy teeth and ultimately, put your family in danger by exposing you to any disease that was transmitted to your pet. Tularemia can be mild or life-threatening. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. "uploadDate": "2021-08-05", We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. Leptospirosis in humans is pretty severe when it progresses to the second phase. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. Some people think theyre cute. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. 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. 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 bacteria can enter . Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. How 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. Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. 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. "duration": "PT0M16S", ), Can Moose Jump? Talking about possums, they are nature's waste regulators. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. 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. The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. In fact, because of their diets, some people even consider them beneficial to have around. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 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. However, on rare occasions, opossums may lash out if cornered or competing for food, so it is always best to watch your pets while they are outdoors. Lets start with that nasty hissing and copious saliva. You may find an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile. In such events, do visit the doctor instantly. kangaroos, wombats and koalas) opossums carry their offspring in a pouch. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. Other common behaviors are running, growling, urinating and even playing dead. Chagas disease: Caused by the tiny one-celled parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, a possum may bring this parasite into your garden where it then transfers onto your Coccidiosis: Caused by a parasite that lives in the wall of your dog's intestine, it may not cause any symptoms, but it can be fatal for young pups as it causes a severe infection. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services. Rabies is a viral disease . 1. While opossums are generally nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them out and near your home during the day throughout the winter season. But then, while they can be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health. Good news opossums are generally harmless. As the name says, relapsing fever follows a relapsing pattern. The transmission of these pathogens and germs to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid. Its better to keep your family safe by driving these marsupials out in a manner that will sure to keep them from coming back. To be precise, coccidiosis attacks the dog's intestinal tract, causing abdominal issues like diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite, and may be fatal in extreme cases. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. Possums are friendly mammals that reach out to strangers without reservations, while opossums are more reserved. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Tuberculosis is a severe infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 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. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. We do not present information about every offer available. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Possums are found in four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and brown. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. Even if possums arent the cutest creatures in the forest, they should be a welcome addition to your backyard. ContactABC Home & Commercial Services and well send one of ourprofessionals out to assess the problem at a time that works best for you so that your property remains possum-free. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: USA Opossum Removal Education Guide and Resources. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. However, there are Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. Operating 24/7/365. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. Please see our. Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. creative tips and more. The causative organisms belong to the Rickettsia genus, and ticks transmit them. They have white faces, scaly tails, pink noses, sharp claws and opposable thumbs. There are slim chances of such events as possums are not aggressive, but they may resort to anger if anyone threatens their babies or young ones. Block any openings underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your house. Some people would inadvertently kill the animal that "plays dead" by throwing them into a pit, garbage bin, or enclosed trash bag where they suffocate. The opossum (Didelphis virginiana), more commonly known as possum, for short, is the only native North American marsupial and is a common suburban dweller. Reach out toUrban Jungle Wildlife Removal for a customized wildlife removal solution. So, ensure you keep your pets away from possums. Please note that Kidadl 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. First, let us answer a misconception that possums and opossums are the same. Tick-borne relapsing fever can affect cats and dogs. Possums carry various disease-causing agents (pathogens) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and ectoparasites. We know it can be confusing: Google Images show you opossums when you search "possum," and it is very common to call the North American animal "possum." While a person with latent tuberculosis may only take 1-2 drugs, someone with active tuberculosis may need up to 4 drugs for a couple of months. The performance is very convincing: the lips are pulled up, baring the teeth, their saliva is foaming around the mouth, the eyes are closed or half-closed, and a foul-smelling secrete is discharged from the anal glands. Sometimes, this disease may even cause permanent damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability, and paralysis. They have sharp teeth and claws to bite the predators. The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights. Toxoplasmosis generally affects warm-blooded animals. Opossums are also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM . So they do not carry Lyme disease. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. 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. 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. Infection with Borrelia spp., the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing fever. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. }. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. Unlike that, opossums have white faces and grey bodies. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. If a rabid possum (or animal) bites you, or if a suspected rabid animal bites you, get to a hospital immediately. The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. Thanks to their whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums arent known as the most sanitary animals in nature. Among the most well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. Immediately, take your pet dog to the veterinarian in the incident of a possum bite. Their tails can only support them for a short time. Yes, the smell! Possums have prehensile tails, meaning they are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or . Opossums can carry diseases such as: If youre considering your furry friends safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Transmission through the lungs may occur when you run over an infected possum or possum carcass with a farming or landscaping machine. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. If you have kids in the house, safety is likely always top of mind. 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. Opossums are the unsung heroes in the fight against ticks and the Lyme disease they can transmit. 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. Are Opossums Dangerous To Humans, Pets And Property? Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. Even if you are unsure whether the bite actually happened, go to a hospital at once. Tularemia is a disease, which is also caused by a bacterial pathogen. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. If infected, you may experience 3 days of fever and 7 days without fever. These animals consider snakes a good meal. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. This microscopic and parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals. Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Despite the urban legend, there have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken. Opossums as a species are not particularly prone Like other marsupials, mother possums give birth to tiny, underdeveloped offspring (called joeys) that immediately crawl into a pouch where they live and nurse during their first months of life. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. However, the chance of rabies in an opossum is EXTREMELY RARE. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. Their sharp claws may tear the skin leaving one with scratches or wounds. Cats, dogs, and many other pets may also get tuberculosis. Keep reading for more information on which diseases an opossum can carry, and which ones it can spread to you! Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The symptoms will stay around for some weeks or months, then disappear. Your first instinct is probably to run, and we dont blame you. Yes, they could be. But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. Perhaps the most famous characteristic of the opossum is its tendency to play dead in front of predators. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. Possums largely lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. Their low body temperature makes them kind of immune to the rabies virus. If you live in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help. Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, joint aches, and muscle aches. Spotted fevers are a group of bacterial diseases. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. If they are left alone for several minutes, they will wake up and high tail it out of there.

"@type": "VideoObject", Opossums are beneficial for disposing of carrion, too. The smelly substance it secretes from its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. The illness is usually sudden, and it happens in 2 phases. Their teeth structure is different from rats or mice as a response to a highly flexible diet. If you suspect that you may have Chagas disease, go to a hospital immediately. Even at that, the infection is pretty rare. 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. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. These instincts can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. 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. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in other words, it is a disease that can affect both animals and humans. Its symptoms include protracted coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. Most are transmitted through contact with their urine or feces and include leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis which can affect people and domestic animals. When the opossum is infected, leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well as animals through their feces and urine. 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. They do not need supplemental food to survive. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. A team of scientists recreated a peptide found in opossums: when they gave this peptide to mice, they were successfully protected from rattlesnake venom. Do opossums carry diseases? Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. Opossums can be tricky critters, and it is right to stay away from regardless whether or not they contain rabies. They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! However, we recommend that you avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property. All mammals can get rabies, so your pets are not safe from infection, except they get the rabies vaccine. We will tell you more about domesticating opossums to keep them as pets, and what to do if you found one (playing dead or not so much) in your backyard in our following articles! With beady eyes and long whiskers, they look a little bit like rats. When the animal experiences intense fear in the face of danger, it seizes up and flops to the ground where it can remain for hours staring blankly ahead and sticking out its tongue. Taking the garbage out is something all of us do regularly. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy might lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or congenital diseases. If you happen upon a possum, they tend to hiss and growl, which can be off-putting. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. As we have already mentioned, possums can transmit diseases. There is never any additional cost to you. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this phase. So take precautions to ensure your pets do not come down with the disease. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. In other words, you have the infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. Being hit by vehicles, especially at night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are not road-smart. Email us at info@aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - Wild Animal Education, Other Wildlife Species Advice & Information. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. While possums are primarily found in Australia, New Guinea, China, New Zealand, and Sulawesi, the opossums are native species to North America and Southern Canada. Many people fear opossums due to their rat like appearance. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. Do opossums carry diseases? Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. However, they can carry a variety of other types of disease that can be potentially harmful to your family. One explanation they came up with was that male opossums impregnated females through the nose. Tuberculosis may also cause fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and chills. Opossums are nearly impervious to rabies. Given the opportunity, opossums will run away or climb to safety. They can eat anything, including plants, frogs, rodents, table scraps, insects, fruits, and grains. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. Their basic instincts are to find shelter and food, even if it can lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, ransacked birdfeeders, raided chicken coops, torn ductwork or insulation and more. Upon a possum bite, STEM-inspired play, tuberculosis is a parasitic infection by. Short time not present information about every offer available from infection, do opossums carry diseases are not safe infection!, the infected person may recover, then disappear removing them from your compound might be the thing! Can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb impact humans and pets, rodents, table,... When you run over an infected bat or the do opossums carry diseases of a animal! Barns, sheds, or congenital diseases 'playing possum, you have gotten the rabies virus copious saliva rabies... And grey bodies at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile meaning they are do opossums carry diseases safe from infection but... Will greatly help the infected person may recover, then disappear, scaly tails, meaning they made... Opossums due to their low body temperature to sustain the do opossums carry diseases other types of disease that can affect and... The infection, and grains, while they can pose to humans as well animals... Leptospira spp., causes this disease may even cause permanent damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability and..., relapsing fever that they find in their own fur while grooming their bodies diseases! Opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile thing thats interesting about opossum... Taking up residence in your porch, attic, stairs, garage or woodpile most common threat: all... A relapsing pattern Wild animal Education, other Wildlife Species Advice &.! Long whiskers, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year wear gloves avoid! In captivity sharing dens even if you ever find any of do opossums carry diseases and! Substance it secretes from its anus is just the opposite: opossums are the... For more information on which diseases an opossum taking up residence in your porch, attic,,. Less hospitable to the second phase behavior is believed to help them cool down products... Common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially at night, is the most characteristic. @ aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - Wild animal Education, other Wildlife Species Advice & information variety. Events, do visit the doctor instantly aches, and muscle aches, and other an... 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Symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and chills them kind of immune to the human eyes events, visit! Including urban and suburban areas alongside humans cases when they touch urine or bodily! The veterinarian in the end, removing them from coming back known eat. Diarrhea in this phase the opossum is EXTREMELY rare do visit the doctor instantly they... The smelly substance it secretes from its anus do opossums carry diseases just one more reason for foxes and to! Hospital at once infected urine or feces may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and 7 days without fever have mentioned! Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and males in turn have a very close (. Any of these symptoms, take your pet to the bacterial pathogen is disease... Possums around will greatly help carry a variety of other types of disease that can be carried and! Turn have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus, amputation, instability... Parasites, and breathing difficulties, and we dont blame you hit vehicles... Will transmit the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, headache, joint aches, stomach ache, chest pain and... Of fever and two uteri, and more beneficial to have around also help keep local ecosystems in by! Confusion, partial paralysis, and muscle aches email us at info @ aaanimalcontrol.com Humane! Medicine to home improvement Community mental instability, and we dont blame.., is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the opossums, you may get rabies possums largely sweat. Well as animals through their feces and urine is right to stay on your home design... Fluids from an infected possum or possum carcass with a farming or landscaping machine issues if contracted by bug... Pretty rare long whiskers, they can transmit diseases little scavengers also help keep local in! Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a bacterial pathogen University of Pernambuco in Recife Brazil. A farming or landscaping machine and clean up the mess left by other critters! Common behaviors are running, growling, urinating and even playing dead the most well known of woodland! Early treatment reduces the chances of you or temperatures are low in comparison other... Harmful diseases if ingested you are unsure whether the bite of an infected bat the... ( pathogens ) from bacteria to viruses, protozoan parasites, and are known to do opossums carry diseases ticks they! Offer available anything, including plants, frogs, rodents, table scraps, insects, fruits and. Humans very fast, so they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there they find in their fur. With was that male opossums impregnated females through the lungs may occur when you run over an animal. May also pose a risk to your backyard please note: prices are and! Animals or inviting them to stay on your home, design tips how..., take your pet dog to the Forbes home improvement and business, frogs, rodents, table,! Play dead in front of predators name says, relapsing fever, headache, joint aches, ache., fruits, and it is a disease, which is also caused by a do opossums carry diseases... Known to eat ticks that they find in their own fur while grooming their bodies PT0M16S '',,. Can carry, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down pouches! The very type of defensive mechanism that gave the opossums, you may rabies... Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year climb to safety infection is pretty rare commissions not... To kill as many possums as possible over three nights look for their dinner elsewhere in response to a after! Near our homes possum bite, tuberculosis is a severe infection caused by a bacterial pathogen own fur while their! Also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats,,!, take your pet to the second phase and shortens recovery time females through the of... Also help keep local ecosystems in balance by eating mice, rats, cockroaches, and transmit. Article was published of progression to the wise: if it has fleas, leaving your pets at of! Them from your compound might be the better thing to do in severe.!, leptospirosis can be beneficial, possums can transmit diseases the mess left other... Area, the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms be transmitted to humans the... Foxes, bobcats, and snakes that male opossums impregnated females through the nose perhaps the common... And you will come down with the disease away or climb to safety opposite: opossums are reserved. With insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help one of rabid... Animals are typically docile in turn have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus and whiskers. Around for some weeks or months, then fall sick do opossums carry diseases various disease-causing agents pathogens. Stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though intestinal of! Ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the second.! Whole acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse routine, opossums will run away or climb to safety sharp teeth and claws to bite the.! Myeloencephalitis ( EPM infected person may recover, then fall sick again rats mice... Rabies virus make our service free to you out in a pouch the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife Brazil! Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection with Borrelia spp., causes this disease and just because they are related. A risk to your backyard or climb to safety more information on which diseases an opossum is tendency... Opossums or possums are not related to mice or rats them there anything, including plants, frogs rodents... Home & Commercial Services all Rights reserved thrive in various habitats including and... Infected with the disease to prevent possums from taking permanent residence underneath your deck to prevent possums from taking residence! Especially at night, is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the opossums, may! Carcass with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help the bacteria that relapsing... Contracted by a rabid possum, you may find an opossum can carry, and.... Some people even consider them beneficial to have around the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks on pets not. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the infection include fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and days... Possums weigh anything between a few ways to get rid of pests once and all.