Not causing a direct threat, but really annoying, troublesome, and getting on the nerves, possums are the uninvited guest in our homes. Despite the fact that they are not dangerous, it raises concerns for all homeowners that possums can give you rabies. But is it true, and do possums have rabies or not? By the end of the article, you will know about it all.
Possums are smart critters, hunting everything down their way. You will get free pest control since they will eat snails, slugs, and flies. Possums have a rat-like tail, stiff hair, and small dark eyes; you might get to like them for their appearance, and it’s not necessary that they will be carrying diseases or rabies.
What is rabies, and why do you need to be worried about it?
A viral disease that is spread through the bite of a rabid animal; as of now, there is no effective treatment when it comes to rabies. Once affected, it multiplies quickly, and after it gets established, it will eventually lead to death. This disease has only been survived by a small number of individuals.
As possums are commonly found in and around our houses, it is a matter of serious concern for all of us to identify possums and know whether they can get rabies or not.
Do possums have rabies or not?
Possums usually enter a home in search of food. From fruits, plants, snails to the cat’s food, possums will tear up the garbage cans and the food dishes or whatever comes in their way.
Though they are not aggressive, they are afraid of humans and show sharp pointed teeth and growl when they feel threatened. This is what makes people think possums can cause rabies or not. Having sharp teeth, you must also check out whether Possums bite or is it another myth.
It is common to mistake the open-mouthed hissing and drooling behavior of opossums for rabies symptoms. But this is just a way opossums used to defend themselves.
While any mammal can have rabies, it is unlikely to have it for possums, as they have a strong immune system and have a much lower body temperature than that of other mammals. This makes them confront rabies.
Signs of rabid possum
Even though it is rare, you must be aware of the signs of rabid possum so that you can protect yourself and the people around you.
The rabid possums show the same symptoms as any other affected animal. Starting with fever, loss of hunger, lethargy, and then slowly leading to weakness, nerve dysfunction, difficulty breathing, and abnormal behavior.
While you should avoid possums in the first place if you encounter any and it shows any of the above symptoms, you should be alarmed and take appropriate action as soon as possible. Don’t forget to see how to get rid of possums
Do possums carry other diseases?
It is rare for possums to carry rabies, but they can have other diseases such as leptospirosis, coccidiosis, and fever. Possums infected with one of these illnesses can transmit it to humans through contaminated urine or other bodily fluids.
What animals are most likely to transmit rabies?
Exposure to animals is common no matter whether you live in urban or rural areas. While possums have a rare chance of getting affected with rabies, there are animals that are most likely to carry it and transmit it to humans.
It mainly includes raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes from wild reservoirs of rabies. On the other hand, cats, cattle, and dogs are also common rabies carriers among domestic animals.
In case you come in contact with any of these animals, it is preferred that you seek a medical checkup immediately.
Conclusion
Possums are not going anywhere, and you will face them once in a while. At the very least, you should prevent them from entering your house by blocking all entrances. Talking about the rabies issue, possums are rarely affected. However, possums can be a nuisance, even if they do not have rabies.
The article provides you with the details of rabid possums so that you can take action if faced with the problem. Hissing or growling is for self-defense, and it should be taken as a sign of rabies. Busting the myth, what else do you want to know about the rabid possum?