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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.

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Q: Should a dog be checked for rabies after killing a possum?
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What if a possum bites a German Shepherd?

First of all its GERMAN SHEPHERD, not "Shepard". Second of all, if your dog is not current on his/her rabies (which, why in the world would he/she not be) then you should get this dog to the veterinary IMMEDIATELY to be checked out.


What is more likely to get rabies a possum or a fox?

Neither, if the animals are in Australia or New Zealand, where there is no rabies. Most possum species are found only in Australia and nearby countries. The possum is a completely different animal to the opossum, even though the term "possum" is often used in reference to opossums. Australia and New Zealand do not have rabies, so therefore it is quite safe to say that possums and foxes from either of these two countries cannot have rabies. As for North America: whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are too low to harbour rabies. However, the fox could certainly get 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.


What happens when a person gets bitten by a coyote?

I think that if you are bit by a coyote, you should go to a hospital and get checked for rabies.


Do sugar gliders carry rabies?

Potentially. In their native habitat of Australia, sugar gliders do not carry rabies, as rabies is not present in Australia. Where they have been introduced to other countries as exotic pets, they naturally become susceptible to diseases such as rabies in that country. It should be noted that members of the possum family are less likely to carry rabies than placental mammals.


What happens if you get Rabies?

There's no set way to tell if a bat that bites you has rabies. While only 0.05% of all bats actually have rabies, it is still a fatal virus and you should never take chances. If you ever handle a bat, go to the hospital and get checked as soon as possible. Bat bites are slight and can often be overlooked, so you may have been bitten without realizing it. Always get yourself checked out if you are bitten by any strange mammal- rabies is 100% fatal, so it's better to be safe than sorry.


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 if your dog bit you with rabies?

You should see your Doctor IMMEDIATELY for shots to prevent you from getting the disease! If I am correct Rabies is a disease that affects the brain.


If a raccoon is out in the day does it have rabies?

No, they often come out during the day seeking a new shelter if something happened to their home, or if they are greatly in need of water. True possums, which are those found in Australia, do not have rabies as there is no rabies in Australia. Opossums of North America, a quite different animal, have body temperatures that are generally too low to harbour the rabies virus, although there are always exceptions. Note that when threatened, opossums will often "play possum" mimicking dead or sick animals - to the point of mimicking the appearance of having rabies - even if they are not infected. Since they are primarily nocturnal, when people encounter them during the day the opossum is more likely to feel threatened and thus act sick. This may be one of the reasons that people think the possums they see during the day are infected with rabies.


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 there possums in Georgia that have rabies?

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.


What happens to a human bitten by a dog with cancer?

Cancer does not affect the seriousness of the bite. Rabies does. If the dog has rabies, then this is considered dangerous and should be acted on immediately. If the dog does not have rabies, do not be relaxed. The bite may still have infection due to other unpredictable reasons. With or without cancer, with or without rabies, better fo to the doctor and vet to have the dog and victim checked up.