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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 else can I help you with?
Do male opossums have pouches like female opossums do?
No, male opossums do not have pouches like female opossums do. Only female opossums have pouches to carry and nurse their young.
Do opossums carry rabies?
The only time opossums can carry rabies is if they're ill and their body temperature rises. In fact, you are more likely to get rabies than an opossum!
What kind of diseases would oppossums carry?
Some opossums can get metabolic bone disease, but it's not contagious. They can get rabies, but that's very rare - a dog or cat is more likely to get rabies than an opossum.
Do men or women carry diseases?
Both can carry many different kinds of diseases.
What animals carry most disease?
All animals carry disease. Some carry a greater variety, some only carry a few, some carry potentially fatal diseases, some only carry somethnig that'll give you muscle cramps & a slight fever.
Do baby raccoons carry diseases?
No, new born raccoons do not normally carry diseases but they can contract diseases from the mother after birth.
What is opossums role in nature?
An opossum's adaptation is to act dead. The opossum acts dead so the enemy will not bother to go near it, the because enemy thinks the dead animal is to carry diseases.
Are mosquitoes born with diseases?
That is a good question! Mosquitoes do not die from the diseases they carry. Otherwise the would not get chance to transmit the diseases they carry.
How many diseases can one mosquito carry?
mosquito can't carry any diseases it can carry only the blood from one to other
What disease do bees carry?
Bees don't carry any diseases that are harmful to humans but they can carry diseases that are harmful to other bees.
Why are opossums dildelphids?
Opossums are classed as Didelphidae due to the fact the mothers carry the young not only in their womb, but also in their pouch. Di meaning two, and delphi meaning "womb", hence Didelphis.
What diseases do goats carry?
There are several diseases that goats may carry and spread to humans. A few of the diseases are Leptospirosis, Q fever, and Cryptosporidia.
