How to Tell if You Have a Rabid Opossum on Your Property

Despite sometimes being a nuisance on your property, opossums are generally harmless critters. However, a sick opossum poses a risk to humans if they come in close contact. Here’s how to tell if the opossums on your property are ill.

Can Opossums Have Rabies?

There’s a common misconception that all opossums carry rabies; however, opossums have a low body temperature that makes it difficult for the virus to survive. Many confuse “rabid opossum” behaviors such as drooling and hissing as a sign of rabies, when, in fact, they are defense tactics used to scare predators away.

Common Opossum Diseases

While opossums typically don’t carry rabies, there are several other diseases the critters can carry that they can then transmit to humans. Some common opossum illnesses include:

• Leptospirosis

  This bacterial disease is passed through contact with opossum urine. It can cause severe respiratory distress and lead to other health conditions such as kidney damage and liver failure.

• Tularemia

  This disease is contracted through a bite or scratch and can lead to a high fever, skin ulcers, and chest pain.

• Murine Typhus

  This version of typhus is transmitted through fleas carried by the opossum. Common symptoms include body aches, chills, and rashes.

Signs of a Rabid Opossum

It’s important to know the symptoms of a sick opossum so you can call a pest control expert immediately. Common signs of illness include:

• Skin lesions, such as spots or sores
• Loss of fur or patches
• Foaming at the mouth
• Labored breathing
• Lethargic or agitated behavior

As soon as you notice an opossum exhibiting these symptoms, contact an opossum removal professional to humanely remove the animal.

Expert Opossum Removal Services Near You

For experienced rabid opossum removal, rely on the removal technicians at Critter Control® of Orlando for quick and safe results. Our thorough process involves inspection, removal, restoration and prevention. To schedule an appointment and receive a free opossum removal estimate, call Critter Control® of Orlando today at 407-295-7194.