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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.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo. True possums (those that are native to Australia) do not currently carry diseases which are transmissable to humans. However, possums are known to harbour ticks, which can be dangerous to dogs.
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 dog is likely to get if bitten by a possum is tetanus from an untreated wound. 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.
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, so it can be presumed that in very unusual situations, a rabid opossum might also bite a dog, giving it rabies.
See the related link for the story.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoAustralian possums do not carry distemper.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo, possums are a type of Australian marsupial.
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What is a possum called when there is 2?
possums
Are possums blind?
Possums are not blind.
What eats possums?
Possums are eaten by snakes.
Is there possums in possum pie?
There are no possums in possum pie, as true possums are found in Australia and nearby islands, and they are protected in Australia. Possums are not the same as opossums.
Is sugar poisonous to possums?
No. Sugar is not poisonous to possums.
Does possums have scales?
Possums are mammals, and are covered with hair.
Are ringtail possums endangered?
No. Ring-tail possums are not even close to being endangered.
What do you call multiple possums?
There is no particular name for a female possum.
Are possums eaten in Australia?
Possums are not eaten in modern times. In the past, the early settlers ate possums if nothing else was available. Certainly the Australian Aborigines ate possums.
Are possums external or internal?
In their natural state, Australian possums are external dwellers. However, brushtail possums and ringtail possums often shelter in the roof space of suburban houses.
Do possums have predators?
The predators of true possums, which live in Australia, are eagles, hawks, owls and quolls. Foxes, which have been introduced to Australia, are also predators of possums. Possums should not be confused with opossums, which live in North America, and are not related to possums.
Do possums carry fleas?
Yes, the possums live in my attic and fleas fall from the vents and cracks because of them.
