What diseases do opossums carry?

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While often perceived as disease-ridden, opossums are surprisingly resistant to many diseases that affect other mammals, including rabies. However, they can still carry and transmit certain pathogens, making it important to understand what diseases do opossums carry and how to minimize risks.

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Opossums: Misunderstood Marsupials

Opossums, also known as Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), are North America’s only marsupials. They are adaptable creatures, thriving in a variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to suburban and urban environments. Their nocturnal habits and scavenging behavior often bring them into contact with humans and their pets, leading to concerns about disease transmission. Despite their reputation, opossums play a beneficial role in ecosystems, consuming insects, rodents, and carrion. Understanding the actual risks associated with opossums is crucial for informed co-existence.

Diseases Carried by Opossums: The Real Risks

What diseases do opossums carry is a valid concern, although the risk of transmission to humans or pets is generally low. Opossums are less susceptible to rabies than many other mammals due to their lower body temperature. However, they can still carry and transmit other diseases and parasites. Here are some of the most common:

Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease can be transmitted through contact with contaminated urine. Symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like illness to severe kidney or liver damage.
Salmonellosis: Opossums can carry Salmonella bacteria in their feces, potentially contaminating food and water sources. Symptoms in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Tuberculosis (TB): While rare, opossums can be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB.
Coccidiosis: This parasitic disease affects the intestinal tract. While more common in other animals, opossums can be carriers.
Tularemia: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through tick or deer fly bites, or through contact with infected animal tissues. Opossums can carry ticks that transmit tularemia.

Ectoparasites and Internal Parasites

Besides diseases, opossums are commonly infested with various parasites:

Fleas, Ticks, Mites, and Lice: Opossums often carry these external parasites, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets. The American dog tick, responsible for transmitting Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis, is a common parasite found on opossums.
Roundworms, Tapeworms, and Flukes: Opossums can harbor internal parasites that can be transmitted through their feces.

The following table compares common diseases carried by opossums, their transmission methods, and potential symptoms.

Disease	Transmission Method	Symptoms in Humans
—————-	————————————————————–	—————————————————————————————————————————————
Leptospirosis	Contact with contaminated urine	Flu-like symptoms, kidney or liver damage
Salmonellosis	Contact with contaminated feces	Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps
Tuberculosis	Airborne transmission, contact with infected tissues	Cough, fever, weight loss
Coccidiosis	Ingestion of contaminated food or water	Diarrhea, abdominal pain
Tularemia	Tick or deer fly bites, contact with infected animal tissues	Skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, fever
Ectoparasites	Direct contact with opossum or its habitat	Itching, skin irritation, potential transmission of other diseases carried by the parasites (e.g. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)
Internal Parasites	Contact with contaminated feces	Varies depending on the parasite; can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss

Minimizing Risks and Co-existing Safely

Understanding what diseases do opossums carry is just the first step. Protecting yourself, your family, and your pets requires proactive measures:

Avoid Contact: Do not attempt to handle or approach opossums. Keep a safe distance.
Secure Trash Cans: Use tightly sealed trash cans to prevent opossums from scavenging for food.
Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outside, as it can attract opossums.
Seal Entry Points: Seal any potential entry points into your home, such as cracks in foundations or gaps around pipes.
Control Pests: Control fleas and ticks on your pets and in your yard.
Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after any potential contact with opossum feces or urine.

Opossums and Rabies: A Lower Risk Than Perceived

While any mammal can theoretically contract rabies, opossums have a significantly lower body temperature than most other mammals, which makes them less susceptible to the virus. Furthermore, their “playing possum” defense mechanism tends to deter predators, reducing the likelihood of bites and therefore, rabies transmission. While documented cases of opossums with rabies exist, they are extremely rare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes opossums less susceptible to rabies compared to other mammals?

Opossums’ lower body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to replicate efficiently. Additionally, their natural defense mechanism of “playing possum” often deters predators before a bite occurs, further reducing the risk of infection. It is important to note that they are still capable of carrying the disease, but the rate is significantly lower.

Are opossums considered aggressive animals?

Opossums are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. When threatened, they may hiss, growl, or show their teeth, but they are more likely to play dead than to attack. This behavior is a defense mechanism designed to deter predators.

How can I safely remove an opossum from my property?

The best way to remove an opossum is to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment to safely trap and relocate the animal. Never attempt to handle an opossum yourself.

Can my dog or cat get sick from an opossum in my yard?

Pets can be exposed to diseases and parasites carried by opossums. It is essential to keep your pets vaccinated and to control fleas and ticks. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with an opossum or its feces, consult your veterinarian.

Is it safe to have an opossum living under my porch?

Having an opossum living under your porch can create potential health risks due to the possibility of disease transmission and parasite infestations. It is advisable to take steps to safely remove the opossum and seal the entry point.

What should I do if I find a baby opossum?

If you find a baby opossum, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. They have the expertise and resources to properly care for orphaned or injured opossums.

Do opossums carry Lyme disease?

While opossums themselves don’t carry Lyme disease, they do carry ticks that can transmit the disease. Opossums are actually efficient tick removers, consuming thousands of ticks each year, which can help reduce the overall tick population in an area.

How do I prevent opossums from getting into my trash cans?

Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids that cannot be easily opened by animals. You can also secure the lids with bungee cords or weights. Keep your trash cans in a secure location, such as a garage or shed.

Are opossums protected by law?

In many states, opossums are not protected and can be legally trapped or hunted. However, local regulations may vary, so it is essential to check with your state’s wildlife agency before taking any action.

What are the benefits of having opossums in my yard?

Opossums are beneficial scavengers that help control insect and rodent populations. They also consume carrion, helping to keep the environment clean.

How can I tell if an opossum is sick?

Signs of a sick opossum include lethargy, disorientation, discharge from the eyes or nose, and difficulty walking. If you see an opossum exhibiting these symptoms, contact your local animal control agency or a wildlife rehabilitator.

If I get bitten by an opossum, what should I do?

Although bites are rare, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water. Seek medical attention, particularly if the bite breaks the skin. You may need a tetanus shot or other treatment to prevent infection. Contact your local health department to report the bite.