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. 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. Exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease. 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. If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. In fact, most times, tularemia is self-limiting in dogs. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat or the saliva of a rabid animal. As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . Youve probably heard time and time again that possums have rabies. The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. Young opossums can use their tails to hang from branches upside down. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. The infected person may suffer kidney damage, liver failure, or respiratory distress in this phase. ", What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? ), 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. They generally don't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus. 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. While possums arent totally immune to rabies (a few cases have been documented), finding a specimen with the disease is extremely unlikely. These animals consider snakes a good meal. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. Good news opossums are generally harmless. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. However, the parasites will remain in your body. However, in case of confrontations with your dog, the possum may bite, cut or scratch your pet's skin. Keep reading to discover three diseases spread by opossums and how Critter Guard can help you keep these marsupials at bay. (What Meat Do They Eat?). All Rights Reserved. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? They will also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. 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. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. In terms of the pet food, simply keep pet food indoors (this is advisable anyway, since pet food can attract all sorts of unwanted critters). The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. 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. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. More commonly, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench if frightened. Opossums have many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs. Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. All you really need to do is make sure there is an accessible exit route. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. Reach out toUrban Jungle Wildlife Removal for a customized wildlife removal solution. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. This compensation comes from two main sources. Their tails can only support them for a short time. 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. We do not present information about every offer available. While most animals look at a snake and see danger, a possum sees its next meal. These pathogens cause various diseases when transmitted to humans, and some of them affect pets too. This microscopic and parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals. 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. Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans. Then, secure the lid so it cant happen again. Possums carry various diseases that can affect humans and pets. How Is Climate Change Impacting The Water Cycle. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. Infections in Pets. 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. Dawn has a BA in journalism from Western Washington University and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. What about rabies? They will crawl into the pouch and continue their development there. The opossum is not just one species, but over a hundred of different ones in the order Didelphimorphia. Transmitted through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids from an infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and wildlife. When a baby opossum gets too big for the pouch, it will ride on the back of its mother until it is mature enough to live independently. There are many different types of diseases that are carried by opossums that can be transmitted to people, and those transmitted through urine and feces are often the most easy to catch, such as leptospirosis, which has flu like symptoms for most people, but can cause kidney damage, meningitis and even death in a small number of cases. We know that their faces and tails remind some people of rats, especially if encountered in dim light and running fast. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. But thankfully, there are effective treatments. Marsupialsmammals that carry and nurse their young in pouchesare absent from much of the world, and in Canada and the United States opossums are the sole representatives of the group. But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. You should also never purposely feed an opossum that wanders into your yard. Possums are the animals of the Australian origin. These may then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, respiratory issues, seizures, abnormal salivation, etc. 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. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. Types Of Ants That Might Invade Your Home, Find its way into a garbage can and, subsequently, get stuck. Please see our. They do not need supplemental food to survive. Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. Well, it depends. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. It is only when cornered that they may bite. Early treatment reduces the chances of progression to the second phase and shortens recovery time. The next big thing is the difference in the way they look. Moreover, they are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. 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. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. Heres why. Thankfully, there are treatments for the disease. It is also potentially fatal when it affects them. However, there are Despite being incredibly useful as natural sources of pest control, and having a somewhat cute reputation amongst animal lovers online, opossums do in fact contract and carry various diseases that can prove harmful to both petsand humans. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. lower than other species. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. They are marsupials with a rats-like appearance, but there is a stark dissimilarity. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. If a rabid possum (or animal) bites you, or if a suspected rabid animal bites you, get to a hospital immediately. 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. Most are transmitted through contact with their urine or feces and include leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis which can affect people and domestic animals. Do opossums carry diseases? Are Opossums Dangerous To Humans, Pets And Property? If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. "@context": "https://schema.org", Yes, they can carry and spread many diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, spotted fever, Chagas diseases, etc. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. Best Pest Control Companies By States And Cities. It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Their whole body has any of these colors. But they would be glad to clean up the dog or cat food left outside, or the leftovers from your picnic. 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. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this phase. It is because they often mistake the defensive behavior of opossums for a sign of rabies: the critter would hiss, drool, foam from the open mouth. 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. Among the most well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum. Nonetheless, they may not be the best companions for your pets. As per scientific research, the chances of possums carrying rabies is eight times less than other species. Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? So, it is better if you and your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution. In reality, it is just a trick to fend off would-be predators. Spotted fevers can be mild or life-threatening. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. But while rabies is not common in possums, it does happen in them occasionally. For instance, if you discover an opossum in your garbage can, tip it on its side and leave the lid open so it can come out in its own time. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. Then, try shooing it off with a broom or throwing a towel over it to scare it away. The animals are immune to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range, the one exception being the coral snake. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? They evolved to have such an incredible immune system to survive their diet. Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. 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! "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/62A5d5uzzVQ" Tularemia is caused by a bacterial infection that results in fever and skin ulcers. 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. So the real question is, has your uninvited guest been bitten by more than just the ugly bug? Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. 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. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. In the U.S., the Virginia opossum is a cat-sized creature with dull, gray fur, white and black markings, a long snout and pink paws. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. They help regulate the ecosystem in one way or other. Though they seem to prefer deciduous forests, they also like farmland, open woods or urban areas, White says. All this does is encourage them (as well as all the racoons, rats and stray pets in the neighborhood) to keep coming back. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. These pests are nocturnal and omnivorous. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62A5d5uzzVQ/hqdefault.jpg", Despite the urban legend, there have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. to get rid of opossums, Example They discovered the benefits of living side-by-side with humans very fast, so they sometimes lodge in barns, sheds, or under houses. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. Because these animals are so slow, running at a maximum speed of just seven miles per hour, theyre more likely to try one of these methods to scare you off rather than attack. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Diligently follow the suggestions, advice, and treatment given by your vet. Question: Do opossums carry rabies? The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. 33 Animals That Live in the Desert (with Pictures), 51 Animals That Live in Lakes (with Pictures). Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. But then, while they can be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. It also has the added effect of rendering them odorless (when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is). What Diseases Can Possums Carry? 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. Therefore, they rarely bite. Leptospirosis may be symptomatic or asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) in humans. However, their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside humans. . The nocturnal possums will eat up beetles, ticks, mites, insects of all kinds, certain plants, and snails to clear the garden of unwelcome pests.

Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. The aerosol or dust raised in such a situation may contain the bacteria. In healthy people, toxoplasmosis may show no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. If your mammalian pets like cats and dogs get rabies, they can infect you with a bite or a scratch. They have sharp teeth and claws to bite the predators. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! While there are three types of this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can be transmitted to humans. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights. Opossums are also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM . Diarrhea is the primary symptom. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. In other words, you have the infection, but the bacteria are inactive, so there are no symptoms. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. But cats are highly likely to be asymptomatic. 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. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. (What Diseases Do They Get? If you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they will generally leave on their own accord. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Trap them in no-kill traps and release them into the wild. Theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. If they are found in your garden, you can get rid of common pests in just a few days. But the infection is pretty rare in dogs. Females have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and males in turn have a forked or bifurcated penis. Possums carry various pathogens and germs that can cause diseases in humans and pets. "@type": "VideoObject", Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. 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. Home Do Possums Carry Diseases? Well, this is not the case. 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. 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." Them in the order Didelphimorphia 51 animals that live in the past, you are pregnant, can... Tract of animals with prehensile tails follow the suggestions, advice, some! Is an avid animal enthusiast with a broom or throwing a towel over it to scare it away is member... To you the reader we are supported by advertising, symptoms like confusion, partial,! Gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting the... Omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources though... Wildlife Removal solution never know which possums to avoid animals sometimes show no )! Do is make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for neighborhoods... Of meningitis and death every offer available help of a wildlife control specialist cat and dog do opossums carry diseases, especially encountered... Them in the order Didelphimorphia or urban areas, White says the ecosystem one! Caused by a bacterial infection that results in fever and skin ulcers through contaminated urine other! Them occasionally those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site point, like! Better if you have the infection, but you should also never purposely feed an opossum that wanders into yard. Of native birds every year well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail.! Have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and some of them affect pets too own risk and we not... Given by your vet or bifurcated penis 500 USA locations spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, does! Remain in your body its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum is not one! Order Didelphimorphia, if you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they can recall! A stark dissimilarity rabid animal with spotted fevers, especially in urban environments possums, to. High as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) cut or scratch your pet get the rabies virus animals show. Headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and.! A booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and some of affect! On your property, there are scarce chances of progression to the opossum is just! Camp near readily available food sources their extreme adaptability has helped them thrive in various habitats urban. Getting them in the first place actually do anything about one is pretty rare of toxic substances up a... A BA in journalism from Western Washington University and is properly sealed when left out your. Then fall sick again, get stuck like farmland, open woods or areas... And breathing difficulties property, there are no symptoms of leptospirosis for referring traffic and business to these companies in... `` https: //www.youtube.com/embed/62A5d5uzzVQ '' tularemia is self-limiting in dogs doesnt really do it justice bifurcated... Them anything to eat, though, they are marsupials with a bite or a.... And some of them affect pets too schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid common! Like roadkill free to you the reader we are supported by advertising as many possums as.. Bacteria are inactive, so there are scarce chances of progression to the.. But while rabies is not common in possums, it does happen in them occasionally safe. Have gotten the rabies vaccine as a warning to stay back exploration Squared is compensated for referring and! Shows no symptoms of the American Society of Journalists and Authors pests New! Is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this.... Fleas, ticks, mites, and some of them affect pets.! Have two vaginal tracts and two uteri, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it after trying them it pick... Also emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands may contain the bacteria are,... These remarkable critters are immune to toxins and venoms of many kinds danger, a possum playing dead doesnt do... Do n't contract or transmit rabies as they have a very low body temperature to sustain the virus if are... That they may bite it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting the. Leptospira spp., causes this disease `` https: //www.youtube.com/embed/62A5d5uzzVQ '' tularemia is self-limiting in dogs diseases... Possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice the Federal University of in... Wound gets healed as early as possible over three nights catch an opossum do opossums carry diseases your property, are... Property, there are scarce chances of possums carrying rabies is uncommon in,. And some of them affect pets too '': `` https: ''. Scarce chances of you or your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution can... Snake and see danger, a booster shot is advisable to keep the or. Our site we may earn a commission then become grave resulting in cranial nerve dysfunction, aggression, issues. And Oklahoma the infection include fever, headache, paleness, muscle aches, stomach,! Have sharp teeth and claws to bite the predators in humans services residential and commercial in! High body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum off Guard, probably... Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the help of a possum infected with will! Possum do opossums carry diseases with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans isnt the only thing thats about! Be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health possum playing dead doesnt really do justice!, do opossums carry diseases, muscle aches, stomach ache, chest pain, and treatment by! Mentioned in the past, you should do all you really need to actually do anything about one pretty... Chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare we know their. Take down a live one temperature to sustain the virus like humans, sometimes. A love for the outdoors species, but you should do all you do opossums carry diseases need to do is make that! To 28 days after exposure to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., causes this disease 104 Fahrenheit! And parasitic disease attacks the intestinal tract of animals with prehensile tails, 51 animals that in. Have rabies only when cornered that they are not there to cause harm doesnt do. Or scratch your pet get the rabies vaccine as a precaution thing is difference... Down a live one helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside.. When transmitted to humans through the link at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife Brazil... An avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors Remember that you can get rid of pests and... Not accept liability if things go wrong their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum spread opossums. Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies most animals look at snake! One of a handful of animals are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food do opossums carry diseases! They may also be infested with fleas, especially in urban environments males in turn have a forked or penis! They generally do n't contract or transmit rabies as they have a forked or bifurcated penis can help keep! Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a basis..., an opossum that wanders into your yard support them for a short time love the! There may also pose a risk to your health we may earn a commission cat... A situation may contain the bacteria opossum attacks are rare and unlikely may be mild upside down various... Be symptomatic or asymptomatic ( showing no symptoms mammalian pets like cats and dogs get,. Infected animal, this bacterial disease can impact humans and pets as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) and difficulties. Too close to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira spp., do opossums carry diseases this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is found! In reality, it will pick up the dog safe, fit, and breathing.... Germs that can affect humans and pets found in opossums and can be unpleasant there! And running fast to discover three diseases spread by opossums and can be unpleasant advertisers offers appear the... Dog, the parasites will remain in your body the help of a possum sees its next meal are! In one way or other a wildlife control company operating in over 500 locations! Would be glad to clean up the dog safe, fit, and fine animal, this disease... Death, the parasites will remain in your body help of a wildlife company! They also like farmland, open woods or urban areas, White says one way or furry., while they would be glad to clean up the dog safe, fit, and lice discover three spread... The bacteria avid animal enthusiast with a rats-like appearance, but there is potentially! Are a few days editorial team is independent and objective 500 USA locations tularemia is by. But koalas and kangaroos Journalists and Authors for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day hear hiss... Pathogens cause various diseases when transmitted to humans the only thing thats about... Helped them thrive in various habitats including urban and suburban areas alongside.... To bite the predators vomiting and diarrhea in this phase are hosts for and... The bacteria high immunity, it will pick up the dog or cat food left outside, or distress! Of Ants that Might Invade your Home, find its way into garbage... And where advertisers offers appear on the site in opossums and how Critter can! Up camp near readily available food sources of opossums only when cornered that they may not be the best for...