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Most possum species are found only in Australia (the possum is a completely different animal to the opossum) or neighbouring New Zealand, where it has been introduced. Australia does not have rabies, so therefore it is quite safe to say that Australian possums cannot have rabies, and therefore cannot transmit rabies to dogs.
Some people believe possums are the same as opossums. They are completely different species. But if the question is in regard to opossuma: whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are generally too low to harbour rabies. It would be extremely rare to see this, but there has been at least one documented case of a rabid opossum.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThere is no such creature as a Texas possum. It is an opossum, a completely different animal to the possum.
It is highly unlikely, but it is possible, that a Texas opossum could have rabies. Whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are generally too low to harbour rabies. It would be extremely rare to see this, but there has been at least one documented case of a rabid possum.
Most possum species are found only in Australia (the possum is a completely different animal to the opossum) or neighbouring New Zealand, where it has been introduced.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo, because there are no possums in Georgia.
There are opossums, but these are quite different to possums, which are native to Australia.
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What animals can be vaccinated for rabies?
Rabies can be carried by any warm blood animal including racoons, cats, dogs, bats and 'possums.
Why are opossums so hated?
Possums are so hated because most of the time (75%) they carry rabies. No one wants to get rabies so people avoid possums. Lets see, since there are more birds and squirrels around, that can also carry rabies, lets kill them all! I reviewed some literature from the local animal shelter groups and they only list possums droppings as possibly carrying harmful bacteria..like everyone elses! I think possums are hated because they're so defenseless, they try to act tough, and are too slow crossing roads. People take out their own frustrations and inadequacies on defenseless critters. Better there were more possums and less people! It is not true that opossums carry rabies. Their body temperature prevents them from being able to contract or carry the rabies virus.
Can a possum or a rat get rabies?
It depends upon the country. Rabies is not present in Australia, so possums and rats in Australia cannot get rabies. In North America, opossums rarely contract rabies (see the related link below for one documented case), but rats can certainly be carriers.
Are possums contagious?
No. True possums (those that are native to Australia) do not currently carry diseases which are transmissible to humans. The only disease a person is likely to get if bitten by a possum is tetanus from an untreated wound. Some believe that possums carry rabies, but no rabies is present in either Australia or New Zealand. However, New Zealand possums are subject to a form of bovine tuberculosis which has so far been shown to be transmissible between cattle, possums and ferrets. This form of TB has not been found in Australian possums, and has not been shown to be transmissible to humans. In North America, however, it is a different situation. The body temperature of an opossum is generally too low to harbour the virus: it is possible, although highly unlikely, for an opossum to carry the rabies virus. There is at least one documented case of a rabid opossum biting a child.
Do sugar glider have rabies?
It is guaranteed that any sugar gliders in their native country of Australia do not have rabies. Rabies is not present in Australia. Gliders of any species are extremely unlikely to get rabies, even if they are exposed to the disease outside of Australia. They are a type of possum, and like all possums, have a lower body temperature than other mammals, which means it is almost impossible for a glider to contract rabies.
Can you get rabies from a possum bite?
No.True possums are found in Australia (and have also been introduced to New Zealand) and neither of these countries has rabies.The opossums of North America, which are sometimes referred to as possums, even though they are a quite different animal, are generally unable to contract or carry the rabies virus. However, exceptions do occur, and there is at least one documented case of a rabid opossum (not possum) biting a person.
Can opossums have rabies in Wisconsin?
There are no possums in Ohio. 'Possum is the colloquial term for the opossum, which is quite unrelated to true possums.Most possum species are found only in Australia or neighbouring New Zealand, where it has been introduced. Australia does not have rabies, so therefore it is quite safe to say that thes possums do not have rabies.Opossums can be another matter. Whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are generally too low to harbour rabies. It would be extremely rare to see this, but there has been at least one documented case of a rabid possum.
What diseases do opossums carry?
It depends on whether the creature in question is a true possum, or an opossum, which is quite different. True possums are native to Australia (and introduced to New Zealand), and they are entirely unrelated to opossums, except that both creatures are marsupials. The only disease a person or a pet is likely to get if bitten by a possum is tetanus from an untreated wound. Possums can also transmit ticks and fleas to household pets. There are no incidences of the rabies virus in either Australia or New Zealand. However, New Zealand possums are subject to a form of bovine tuberculosis which has so far been shown to be transmissible between cattle, possums and ferrets. This form of TB has not been found in Australian possums. In North America, however, it is a different situation. The body temperature of an opossum is generally too low to harbour the virus: it is possible, although highly unlikely, for an opossum to carry the rabies virus. However, there is at least one documented case of a rabid opossum biting a child, so it can be presumed that in very unusual situations, opossums might carry rabies.
What happens if a cat bites you?
You need to make sure the cat had its rabies and distemper shots. These are the two you need to worry about. True possums live in Australia, a country free of rabies. So, if your cat in Australia is bitten by a possum, the most it will need is a checkup by the vet to clean up bites and scratches that can easily become infected. Australian possums do not carry diseases, but they are known carriers of ticks, and your cat will need to be checked that it has not picked up any ticks.
Are dogs in Georgia required to have a rabies shot?
Yes. That is true for all the developed countries.
Should a dog be checked for rabies after killing a possum?
If this question refers to true possums, then the answer is a definite "no". Most possum species are found only in Australia (the possum is a completely different animal to the opossum) or neighbouring New Zealand, where it has been introduced. Australia does not have rabies, so therefore it is quite safe to say that Australian possums cannot have rabies.If the question refers to the opossum of North America, then the answer is "possibly". Whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are generally too low to harbour rabies. It would be extremely rare to see this, but there has been at least one documented case of a rabid opossum.
Can a dog contract anything from a possum bite?
Dogs cannot contract rabies from possum bites for two reasons: the Virginia opossum (commonly called a possum) cannot harbour the rabies virus in its body, as its body temperature is too low. If you are referring to a common brushtailed possum, it cannot harbour rabies either for the simple reason that neither Australia nor New Zealand has rabies.Ticks and fleas can be passed on through contact between possums and domestic pets. This is the biggest danger, along with the endless possibilities for infection from a possum bite. If your dog has been bitten and the bite broke the skin, take him to the vet for antibiotics now, or you could be up for expensive surgery to treat an abscess or similar complication (even tetanus).
