Do Opossums Carry Rabies or Other Serious Diseases?

If you have ever spotted an opossum wandering through your yard, you may have wondered if they are dangerous. Opossums are common in many neighborhoods, especially where food and shelter are easy to find. One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is whether opossums carry rabies or other diseases that could harm people or pets.

Understanding the health risks opossums pose can help you keep your family and property safe.

Do Opossums Carry Rabies? 

The good news is that opossums very rarely carry rabies.

Unlike other mammals, opossums have a naturally low body temperature. This makes it harder for the rabies virus to survive in their bodies. According to the National Park Service, opossums rarely carry rabies.

While the risk is low, it is not zero. A sick opossum can still spread rabies if it bites. That is why you should never approach or handle a wild opossum, especially one acting strangely.

Other Serious Diseases Opossums Can Carry

Even though rabies is rare, opossums can carry other illnesses that pose real risks to humans and pets. These include:

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection spreads through contact with opossum urine. It can contaminate soil, puddles, or standing water in your yard.
• Salmonella: Opossum droppings may carry salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
• Tuberculosis: Rare but possible, tuberculosis can be transmitted through close contact with an infected opossum.
• Parasites: Opossums often carry fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can spread illnesses like Lyme disease and tapeworms to pets or people.

Because these diseases can be transmitted in several ways, avoiding direct contact with opossums and their waste is always the safest option.

How Opossums Spread Health Risks

Opossums can spread illnesses through urine, droppings, bites, and contaminated surfaces. They can also bring parasites into your yard that latch onto pets or make their way into your home.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that fleas and ticks carried by wildlife lead to thousands of pet illnesses every year. If your dog or cat roams outdoors, they are at a higher risk of coming into contact with opossums and the parasites they carry.

Signs of a Potentially Sick Opossum

If you see a opossum acting strangely, keep your distance. Signs that a opossum could be sick include:

• Stumbling, disorientation, or weakness
• Aggressive behavior or unusual fearlessness
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Visible wounds or sores

A healthy opossum is usually shy and will avoid people. If you notice any of the symptoms above, call a professional pest control service instead of trying to handle the animal yourself.

What To Do If You See a Opossum Near Your Home

Finding a opossum in your yard is not unusual, but you should take steps to stay safe. Here is what you can do:

1. Keep pets and children away from the animal
2. Secure garbage cans, pet food, and other easy food sources
3. Close off potential hiding spots like sheds, decks, and crawl spaces
4. Do not try to trap or handle the opossum

If a opossum is staying close to your house or seems aggressive, it is best to call a wildlife removal expert. The average cost to have a opossum removed professionally is $150 to $350, depending on the complexity of the job. This cost is worth it for your safety and peace of mind.

How to Prevent Opossums from Coming Back

Removing an opossum is only part of the solution. Preventing them from returning is equally important. Try these tips:

• Seal openings under decks, porches, or crawl spaces where opossums can nest.
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees and remove bird seed or pet food left outdoors.
• Trim shrubs and bushes to reduce hiding spots.
• Store garbage in secure bins with tight-fitting lids.

Professional pest control companies can also install exclusion barriers to keep opossums from entering your property. These services are often the most reliable way to solve the problem for good.

When to Call a Professional 

You may not need to call for help if a opossum passes through your yard once in a while. But if you notice recurring visits, droppings, or damage, it is time to bring in a professional.

A pest control expert can:

• Remove opossums safely and humanely
• Inspect your property for entry points and seal them
• Address other pests attracted to the same food sources

Working with a professional reduces health risks and saves time, especially if you are dealing with multiple animals.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Family, Pets, and Property

So, do opossums carry rabies or other serious diseases?

Rabies is extremely rare, but opossums can spread other illnesses and parasites that affect both people and pets.

If you are worried about opossums living near your home, take steps to secure food sources and block entry points. And if the problem continues, calling a professional is the safest way to remove the animals and prevent them from returning.

Need help with possums or other wildlife around your home? Contact Bigfoot Pest Management to schedule a safe, thorough inspection and removal.