Opossums are common North American marsupials often found in suburban and rural areas. These adaptable animals are frequently seen scavenging at night. Understanding their presence is important for considering their potential interactions with human health.
Common Diseases Opossums May Carry
Opossums can carry several bacterial diseases that pose a risk to humans and pets. Leptospirosis, for instance, is a bacterial infection transmitted through the urine of infected animals, including opossums. Humans can contract it if contaminated urine contacts broken skin or mucous membranes, leading to symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney failure.
Another bacterial concern is Salmonellosis, which opossums can carry and shed through their feces. Contact with infected droppings or contaminated surfaces may lead to infection in humans or pets. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever, with severe cases potentially requiring hospitalization due to dehydration.
Tularemia, a bacterial disease also known as “rabbit fever,” can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected opossum or via bites from infected ticks or fleas. This disease can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, chills, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. While treatable with antibiotics, it can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed.
Opossums are also hosts for various parasites, both external and internal. External parasites like fleas and ticks found on opossums can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and pets. They can still carry these vectors.
Internal parasites like Coccidia are microscopic organisms found in opossum feces that can cause coccidiosis. While opossums themselves are immune, they can transmit this parasite to other animals and humans, leading to symptoms like watery diarrhea and dehydration. Toxoplasmosis is another parasitic infection carried by opossums, spread through their feces, which can be particularly concerning for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Diseases Opossums Rarely Carry
Despite common concerns, opossums are notably resistant to rabies, a viral infection affecting the brain and spinal cord. Their naturally lower body temperature, typically ranging from 94 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit, makes it difficult for the rabies virus to thrive and replicate effectively. This physiological characteristic significantly reduces the likelihood of an opossum contracting or transmitting the virus compared to other mammals, making reported cases exceedingly rare.
Similarly, opossums are not typically primary carriers for common canine diseases such as distemper or parvovirus, which are more prevalent in other wild animal populations like coyotes and foxes.
Preventing Disease Transmission
Exercising caution around wild opossums is an effective way to minimize potential disease transmission. It is advisable to avoid approaching or attempting to handle any wild opossum, especially those that appear sick or injured. Maintaining a respectful distance helps prevent bites or scratches, which are direct routes for disease transfer.
Securing potential food sources around your home can deter opossums from your property. This includes ensuring trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are stored securely, and that pet food is not left outdoors, particularly overnight. Removing fallen fruits or spilled birdseed also helps eliminate attractants.
For pet owners, keeping vaccinations current and consistently applying veterinarian-recommended parasite control products is beneficial. This protects domestic animals from diseases and parasites they might encounter from wildlife, reducing the chance of them bringing such issues into the home environment.
Practicing good hygiene, such as thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after any outdoor activities or potential contact with areas where opossums might have been present, is important. This is particularly relevant after gardening or cleaning outdoor spaces that could contain animal waste.
Should you find a deceased opossum on your property, take precautions during disposal. Wear protective gear, including thick gloves and a face mask, to avoid direct contact with the carcass. Double-bag the animal in sturdy plastic bags and dispose of it according to local waste management regulations. After removal, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area to eliminate any lingering pathogens or odors.
If an opossum appears sick or injured, or if there is an infestation on your property, contact local animal control or a wildlife professional for safe and appropriate handling.