Rabies is a severe viral illness that impacts the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. This disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention and public understanding crucial. A common question concerns various wildlife species and their potential to carry this virus, particularly opossums, and whether these unique marsupials pose a significant rabies risk.
Opossums’ Unique Resistance to Rabies
Opossums possess an unusual natural resistance to the rabies virus, making infection extremely rare. Their unusually low average body temperature, typically ranging from 94 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit (34 to 36 degrees Celsius), creates an environment where the rabies virus struggles to thrive and replicate effectively. This physiological characteristic hinders the virus’s ability to spread throughout the opossum’s system.
The robust immune system of opossums may also contribute to their strong resistance against various diseases and toxins. Despite common misconceptions, behaviors such as hissing, drooling, or appearing disoriented are often natural defense mechanisms for opossums, known as “playing possum,” and are not typically indicators of rabies.
Rabies in North American Wildlife
Unlike opossums, several other North American wildlife species are recognized as primary carriers, or vectors, of the rabies virus. Raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and coyotes account for the vast majority of reported rabies cases in wild animals across the United States. These species serve as significant reservoirs for the virus, contributing to its persistence in the environment. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite that breaks the skin.
Transmission can also occur, though less frequently, if infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound, scratch, or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth. Public awareness regarding these typical carriers is important for understanding rabies risks. In the United States, bats are a common source of human rabies infections, while globally, dog bites are the most frequent cause.
Encountering Opossums: Safety and Prevention
It is always advisable to maintain a safe distance from any wild animal, including opossums, and never attempt to approach or handle them. Wild animals may exhibit various signs if they are sick or rabid, such as unusual aggression, disorientation, uncoordinated movements, or paralysis. Nocturnal animals active during daylight hours, or those appearing unusually unafraid of humans, might also be exhibiting signs of illness.
If bitten or scratched by any wild animal, immediate action is necessary to minimize potential risk. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. After cleaning the wound, seek prompt medical attention to evaluate the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of treatments that can prevent the virus from taking hold if administered quickly. Contacting local animal control or health authorities is also recommended for guidance and to report the incident.