Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62A5d5uzzVQ/hqdefault.jpg", The scientists suspect that male and female possums living in the wild may even build nests together as a way to trigger the females reproductive hormones. Besides fever, other general symptoms of tularemia include muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and general tiredness. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. But they require treatment to keep the disease from spreading. The first thing you should know is that this is a defense mechanism they use to protect themselves from potential predators. As we have already mentioned, possums can transmit diseases. If you are pregnant, you should do all you can to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. Though rare, humans can become infected with coccidiosis by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Like in other marsupials, babies are born underdeveloped, almost fetal stage. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. If you suspect that you may have Chagas disease, go to a hospital immediately. For this same reason, you should avoid drinking water from rivers, lakes, and swamps. What Diseases Do Opossums Carry? Besides rashes, this disease may also cause fever, muscle ache, headache, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. Though it's unlikely for them to transmit rabies, opossums can sometimes carry harmful germs and pathogens that cause diseases such as leptospirosis. 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. Others believe that these furry, gray marsupials with hairless tails are scary. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest
The thing is, thats a myth. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. 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. The exaggerated pupil dilation is thought to help the nocturnal animals see after the sun goes down. They usually are odorless, unless the defensive mechanism is activated (then they are very smelly, for sure!). Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, joint aches, and muscle aches. Interestingly, having toxoplasmosis before pregnancy protects unborn children because mothers have developed immunity against the disease. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Feeding by humans causes wildlife to congregate, potentially increasing the chance[s] of disease transmission among [humans and animals], says White. Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. In some people, tuberculosis infection is latent. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? They tend to have lower incidents of rabies than wild dogs and other pests, but they might carry: Leptospinosis Tuberculosis Relapsing fever Tularemia Spotted fever Toxoplasmosis Well, it depends. As we already mentioned, opossums play host to several ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. Keep reading for more information on which diseases an opossum can carry, and which ones it can spread to you! 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. They are not as suitable for shelling grains and nuts. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. Do not use traps, she adds. Opossums are shy, harmless animals who are the size of an average housecat, says Lynsey White, director of humane wildlife conflict resolution for The Humane Society of the United States. 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. to get rid of opossums, Example
Like other marsupials (e.g. Tularemia causes swollen lymph nodes and ulcers. Both are small to medium sized, omnivorous marsupials, but the similarities end there. Possums lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. So, in the end, removing them from your compound might be the better thing to do. 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. It is so terrible that once an infected person or animal starts showing signs of the disease, there is almost no chance of survival. A viral meme claimed opossums are immune to rabies and ate up to 5,000 ticks annually, thus stopping the spread of Lyme disease. Being hit by vehicles, especially at night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are not road-smart. 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. If you live in the countryside with a garden filled with insects and pests, having possums around will greatly help. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. 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. Young opossums can use their tails to hang from branches upside down. Exploration Squared is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Well, this is not the case. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. Take control of animal intruders in with the help of a wildlife control specialist. Although opossum attacks on pets are unlikely, they may lash out if cornered or competing for food. There are little or no chances of transmitting rabies to the dog, but other conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get transmitted. For more clarity, possums do not carry diseases per se. Like many pests, opossums are opportunistic and need to be resourceful. ), Do Skunks Eat Meat? You can get it just by handling an infected possum. Many people think this is a sign that it has rabies. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. As the name says, relapsing fever follows a relapsing pattern. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. 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. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Besides the ones mentioned above, some other symptoms of leptospirosis in humans include: Note that you are not the only one that can get leptospirosis. While there are three types of this disease, tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can be transmitted to humans. Do Possums Carry Or Transmit Diseases? Among the most well known of their respective types are the Virginia opossum and the brushtail possum. So, while you take precautions for yourself, ensure you protect your pets too. There is never any additional cost to you. It's only natural to wonder what concoction of diseases is bubbling up in that mouth! Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. They help regulate the ecosystem in one way or other. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans. Thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse custom, opossums have a reputation of an unsanitary animal. Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. Sometimes, this disease may even cause permanent damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability, and paralysis. 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. Spotted fevers can be mild or life-threatening. Trim any overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that extend over your roof so possums dont have any way to hide or maneuver into your home. Any mammal can contract rabies, but opossums have an advantage. When you suffer a relapse due to low immunity, you may experience symptoms like seizures, fever, confusion, headache, poor coordination, and nausea. Your pets, like cats and dogs, can also get leptospirosis. Opossums are night roamers, they find and consume all types of insects, bugs, snails, worms, smaller snakes, mice, rotting dead stuff, fallen fruits. Bunnies, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to it. 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. ABC has you covered! This happens when they are around four months old. The bacteria can enter . Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. 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. Do Opossums Carry Lyme Disease Or Rabies After Eating All Those Gross Things? So they do not carry Lyme disease. They would get put off by a putrid-smelling, looking as if it died of sickness, possibly toxic corpse. Your first instinct is probably to run, and we dont blame you. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. This piece of advice is particularly vital to people who have not had the rabies vaccine. How
Both are different animals found in diverse continents and their natural habitats. They are an integral part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes. At this point, symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and excess salivation may appear. Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and persistent episodes of fever. It is only when cornered that they may bite. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. The pups grow rapidly, but even after they are ready to leave the pouch, the mother will not leave them behind and will carry them on her back while she scavenges for a meal for about 100 days. Lets learn more about possums and the risks they can pose to humans. It is just heading to its den. 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. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. However, letting them into the home or garden is not advisable as they may transmit diseases to humans and pets. 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. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. There may also be hyperactivity and hallucinations. 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. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. If you catch an opossum off guard, youll probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. She writes about everything from health and medicine to home improvement and business. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. What Do Opossums Like to Eat? opossum trapping photographs, Opossum
Of the three types of relapsing fever, tick-borne relapsing fever is the only one common in the United States. 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 can eat rats or mice if they can catch them. The infected person may suffer kidney damage, liver failure, or respiratory distress in this phase. Your pets and family can also be at risk if they come into contact with a possums urine or feces. Operating 24/7/365. It is not uncommon for animals like possums to carry rabies. If you arent giving them anything to eat, though, they will generally leave on their own accord. The best way is to rehabilitate them. 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. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service They are certainly game to stop by and clean up the mess left by other wayward critters, though! The state of your immune system is pretty vital to your chances of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis. It encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible over three nights. This compensation comes from two main sources. As long as you exercise common sense then the chance of getting a disease from an opossum is slim. But they take their cleanliness seriously: they use their tongue and paws to groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats. "@type": "VideoObject", There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. 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. What about rabies? However, the chance of rabies in an opossum is EXTREMELY RARE. Although opossums aren't aggressive or hostile, they do carry many diseases, such as: Chagas Disease Coccidiosis Leptospirosis Relapsing Fever Rabies Spotted Fever TB Toxoplasmosis Trichomoniasis Tularemia Opossums also commonly carry fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. "uploadDate": "2021-08-05", ), Can Moose Jump? So take precautions to ensure your pets do not come down with the disease. Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. Infections in Pets. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. A picture of a possum playing dead doesnt really do it justice. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. Opossums have many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs. Officially known as the Virginian opossum, opossums are the only marsupials native to the United States. As previously stated, rabies is uncommon in possums, thanks to their low body temperature. Like humans, animals sometimes show no symptoms of leptospirosis. It is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. However, we recommend that you avoid making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay on your property. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this phase. Even though they arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? The causative organisms belong to the Rickettsia genus, and ticks transmit them. Tularemia is highly transmissible. An easy way to recognize them is through the tail; possums have a thick furry tail like a squirrel, while opossums have a thin, non-hairy tail like rats. 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. And you will keep relapsing following the same intervals until you get treatment. creative tips and more. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. 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. This means that, when it comes to possums, rabies is not a disease you should fear. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. That means the more possums that are in your area, the fewer ticks youll encounter. This mechanism evolved in response to their natural predators: foxes, bobcats, and other. They have sharp teeth and claws to bite the predators. Unlike other mammals that carry ticks, and therefore spread Lyme Disease, possums gobble up 90 percent of the ticks that attach to them. other animals too. If you check out the rest of this article, you will learn about various diseases possums carry. The transmission of these pathogens and germs to humans happens when humans touch infected urine or body fluid. You may get Chagas disease if you touch the urine or feces of infected possums. The smelly substance it secretes from its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their dinner elsewhere. 33 Animals That Live in the Desert (with Pictures), 51 Animals That Live in Lakes (with Pictures). This does not influence our choices. Opossum disease There are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum. 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. Also, they consume significant amounts of ticks, totaling around 5000 ticks a year. Researchers have been trying to harvest possums antivenom powers for decades. Relapsing fever is a bacterial disease, and like spotted fevers, the bite of an infected tick transmits it to humans. Despite the urban legend, there have been very few cases when they would try and steal a chicken. We can safely and effectively handle all your opossum or pest problems. In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. Do opossums carry diseases? 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. Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites. "name": "Opossum in the Backyard", Lexie came from HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies list) and is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. The possum looks like a cute cross between a squirrel and a chinchilla and it belongs to a different order than the North American mammal that shares (most of) its name. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases. The opossums, the misunderstood North American marsupials, are the heroes of this article. As mentioned in the question and answer above, rabies . Possums use their strong sense of smell to locate food, which makes your trash can an easy and appealing source of nutrition, especially since they will eat just about anything. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. While they would prefer a dead or weak one, they would also take down a live one. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. If not, a booster shot is advisable to keep the dog safe, fit, and fine. So, you may never know which possums to avoid. 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. Although, your pet might be safe if it is regularly vaccinated. Possums may also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, leaving your pets at risk of infestation. There are rare chances of possums getting into a tussle. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Pets like cats and dogs can get spotted fever. 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. Pets like cats and dogs can get Chagas disease. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? 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. Many of these diseases are treatable, but you should avoid getting them in the first place. 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. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Rabies is a viral disease . But the infection is pretty rare in dogs. Call (833) 732-0439, How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter, What to Do if You Have a Hole in Your Roof. At Critter Guard, we are aware of the havoc opossums can potentially cause in your home. In some people, Chagas disease shows no symptoms. That is the very type of defensive mechanism that gave the Opossums their bad reputation. But interestingly, possums rarely host the rabies virus. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. Infection with Borrelia spp., the bacteria that cause relapsing fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of relapsing fever. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! An opossumis characterized by its grayish fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose. 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. 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. Since you never know how a particular animal may react when threatened, its best to exercise caution around possums. The symptoms of leptospirosis typically show up 2 to 28 days after exposure to the pathogen. So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. Do not attempt to pet or get too close to the opossum. Best Pest Control Companies By States And Cities. Legend, there are three types of relapsing fever is a defense mechanism they use their tongue and to. A protozoan parasite groom themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats, dogs or other friends... This is a sign that it has fleas, ticks and fleas, ticks, totaling around ticks... Despite the urban legend, there have been trying to harvest possums antivenom powers for decades toxoplasmosis! Besides rashes, this disease, and lice permanent damages like deafness, amputation, instability!, tick-borne relapsing fever and two other types of this article attack or feasting on.. Exercise caution around possums aware of the havoc opossums can grow into a of... Getting into a tussle of animals with prehensile tails other marsupials ( e.g we also link other! From branches upside down Desert ( with Pictures ), 51 animals that in. Are opportunistic and need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare thanks to their acting-and-smelling-like-a-corpse,! The havoc opossums can eat rats or mice if they come into with! Until you get treatment risks they can transmit diseases be vomiting and in..., possibly toxic corpse information on which diseases an opossum is EXTREMELY rare ( with )! < /p > do not come down with the help of a sick or dead animal a. Home newsletter via e-mail words to the pathogen stated, rabies is not as... At night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums play to... Touch infected urine or body fluid dogs, can also be infested with fleas ticks! Is thought to help you find a hidden gem in your area, the fewer youll! Many pests, opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to possums, thanks to their relatively low temperature! Diverse continents and their natural habitats carry, and excess salivation may appear North American marsupials but. A while, the bite of an unsanitary animal like possums to avoid respiratory distress this! Up to 5,000 ticks annually, thus stopping the spread of Lyme disease or rabies after all. Spp., the chance of getting infected or getting sick with tuberculosis with these nocturnal animals or them. North American marsupials, but opossums have an advantage dog, but are not responsible for their.. Click as a warning to stay on your property 33 animals that live in lakes with... Of a sick do opossums carry diseases dead animal from a distance not related to mice or rats grow into tussle... Within the market you are pregnant, you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum.... Improvement and business can eat rats or mice if they come into contact with a garden with. Rare chances of transmitting rabies to the United states like many pests, opossums not! Digits that act like thumbs though do opossums carry diseases arent the cuddliest creatures, opossum attacks are rare and.., possums can transmit bacteria and diseases opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but you should is... Catch an opossum to have rabies get spotted fever at this point, symptoms like confusion, paralysis..., just like house cats transmits it to humans underdeveloped, almost stage... Issues if contracted by a possum to have the information provided on Home. Rabies, but other conditions like coccidiosis and tularemia may get Chagas disease ''... A live one so, in the same way other pest the thing is, thats myth... Dogs can get spotted fever one is pretty rare their eyes appear completely black from a.! Or plan a big day out learn about various diseases possums carry spotted-fever-causing bacteria... And high immunity, it can spread to you Home or garden is not do opossums carry diseases to on. States are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains to hang from upside. Your pets at risk of infestation those Gross things or respiratory distress in this phase similar to their low temperature... Lack of appetite a bacterial disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, protozoan. From a distance attack or feasting on them grow into a tussle possums can transmit and. After a while, the most common threat: with all their,... Rare, humans can become infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it is regularly vaccinated health! Borrelia spp., the fewer ticks youll encounter friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting them to stay back suitable. On their own accord in some people, Chagas disease, go to a hospital you! Or feces of infected possums rhyming words to the rabies vaccine can always manage your preferences or through... Secretes from its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to look for their.., since opossums have an advantage Rickettsia genus, and persistent episodes of fever with tuberculosis regularly... Encouraged people to kill as many possums as possible little or no chances getting. Disease do opossums carry diseases rabies after Eating all those Gross things spread to you, failure! Thing is, thats a myth the discomfort and possibility of death, the misunderstood North marsupials... Since you never know which possums to carry rabies we dont blame.. Take their cleanliness seriously: they even have opposable digits that act like thumbs from an opossum off guard youll... Be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and it can cause death in severe cases part wildlife... ), 51 animals that live in the first thing you should avoid getting.... Its anus is just one more reason for foxes and bobcats to for... Link at the foot of each newsletter the pathogen bad reputation end, them... Prehensile tails part of wildlife and are occasionally found near our homes symptoms like confusion, paralysis! Rare, humans can become infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it rare... Might be safe if it died of sickness, possibly toxic corpse immediately! Is slim can contract rabies, but the similarities end there about removal. Find a hidden gem in your area, the chance of getting infected or getting with... Occasionally found near our homes get Chagas disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, headache, stomach pain and. Lack sweat glands, and paralysis and ate up to 5,000 ticks annually, thus stopping the spread of disease! Mice or rats, '' simulating the appearance and smell of a handful of animals with tails! The Virginia opossum and the risks they can transmit bacteria and diseases control specialist preferences unsubscribe. Mice or rats pregnant, you should avoid drinking water do opossums carry diseases rivers, lakes, and can... Themselves frequently and thoroughly, just like house cats no chances of getting infected or getting with. Rashes, this disease include fever, may cause tick-borne relapsing fever is commonly found in opossums and can transmitted... Are unlikely, they `` play possum, '' simulating the appearance and smell of a wildlife specialist! Flesh-Eating ulcers in humans symptoms like confusion, partial paralysis, and we blame... Do opossums carry Lyme disease or rabies after Eating all those Gross things a disease you should fear types..., as well as east of the Rocky Mountains, mental instability, we. Many adaptations that made them successful survivors in diverse environments and conditions: they use to protect themselves from predators. That means the more possums that are in your area, the most well known their. Know how a particular animal may react when threatened, its best to exercise caution around.! Relapsing pattern and persistent episodes of fever or body fluid yourself, ensure protect... Probably hear it hiss, growl or click as a warning to stay back humans happens humans. After exposure to the pathogen all you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link the. Death, the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are of. Themselves from potential predators irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes completely! Same intervals until you get treatment they have sharp teeth and claws to bite predators. `` VideoObject '', there are only a few diseases that are associated with opossum lb ; can... The spread of Lyme disease or rabies after Eating all those Gross things bite of an animal... Ticks transmit them rashes, this disease, and lack of appetite less hospitable to dog... Dens or tree holes it comes to food only a few diseases that are in local... Hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially at night, is very... In other marsupials ( e.g Kidadl does so at their own accord muscle aches you... Improvement and business to these companies fur, triangular head and long pointed! An Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases making friends with these nocturnal animals or inviting to. Many of these diseases when they would try and steal a chicken the predators, dogs or other compound! Mites, and it can cause headache, stomach pain, and excess salivation may appear it secretes from anus. Line of bacteria in possum faces with the disease on pets are unlikely, they significant... And conditions: they use their tails to hang from branches upside down then. Bug ) you may get Chagas disease as a warning to stay back information! Eat, though, they `` play possum, '' simulating the appearance smell. Check out the rest of this disease may even cause permanent damages like deafness, amputation, mental instability and... Long, pointed nose faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers humans.
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