Opossums can carry and transmit several diseases, including:
- Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection that can be spread through contact with opossum urine or contaminated water.
- Tuberculosis: a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with opossum feces.
- Tularemia: a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with opossum feces.
- Spotted fever: a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with opossum feces.
- Toxoplasmosis: a parasitic infection that can be carried and transmitted through opossum feces. It poses a severe risk for pregnant women and immunocompromised persons.
- Coccidiosis: a microscopic parasite found in opossum feces that spreads the disease known as coccidiosis. While opossums are immune to the disease, they are carriers and spread it to other animals, including pets, especially dogs and humans.
- Chagas disease: a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through contact with opossum feces.
- Trichomoniasis: a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through contact with opossum feces.
It is important to note that opossums are not particularly prone to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest animals such as rats do, as their body temperature is significantly lower than other species. However, it is still important to take precautions when dealing with opossums to avoid potential transmission of diseases.
