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Answer 1:
Yes, if the opossum either is a carrier or has the disease. Opossums, skunks, raccoons (& I don't know which other mammals) can be carriers of rabies. Any physical contact with body fluids (even saliva) from an infected animal or a carrier is the method of transmission. It's best to keep your pets' vaccines up to date to protect them. There is no preventative vaccine for humans, so any contact with wild mammals, or handling your dog after it was in contact with a wild animal, has the potential to expose you to rabies. It's best to contact your local authorities if you suspect exposure (veterinarian, wildlife, or law enforcement, medical professionals).
Answer 2:
Your dog is extremely unlikely to get rabies from killing an opossum. Whilst it is believed that any warm blooded mammal can get rabies, opossums' body temperatures are too low to harbour rabies. It would be extremely rare for a dog to contract rabies from killing an opossum. It is more likely to get tetanus from opossum bites or scratches during the preceding fight, and you fail to have it taken to the vet for a tetanus injection.
Having said that, however, there has been at least one documented case of an opossum having rabies. See the related link below.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoMost 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 (see the related link).
They can, but they are less likely to since they have a much higher resistance to the disease than other small animals, due to an amazing immune system. Remember that any mammal can become infected with rabies and transmit it but no species has it by default. A mammal that becomes infected is not likely to live much longer.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIt is VERY VERY rare for an opossum to carry the rabies virus. It has the most resistance to the virus of any mammal. You are more likely to encounter a rabid horse. yes, an opossum with rabies will die, but in the last ten days of its life, it would be contagious to humans. If you are bitten by an opossum, attempt to contain the animal, and call your animal control or other related agency. They can test the possum for rabies, so that you can be sure it isn't one of the rare ones who are not immune to the virus. This is the case for any animal bite.. including domestic animals like cats, dogs, and ferrets. for more information, go to the CDC website. -Animal Control Officer, Delaware Animal Care and Control. it might, but it's unlikely, a possum with rabies will die ** Yes. This animal can carry and spread rabies.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIf the opossum is rabid, and bites the cat, yes.
the reason why I am asking is because, I'm worried that the opossum that is living under our porch attacked our cat.He has 3 holes at the corner of his mouth and a scartch under his eye. However, I heard that opossum's are very mean and will go after a human this one only hissed at me one time and has never tried to come after any people as far as i know. But tonight when my cat tried to come inside it was walking up to him and he was walking up to it my cat can not defend it self at all he lets the other animals beat him up all day without fighting back. So I am very worried about him. Please help I dont know what to do? How can I tell if the opossum is rabid or if my cat starts i dont know the signs.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo.
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 do not have rabies.
Opossums can be another matter (this is in regard to "possum" as the shortened form of opossum.) 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.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoNo.
True possums are found in Australia (and have also been introduced to New Zealand) and neither of these countries has rabies.
The opossums of North America, which are sometimes referred to as possums, even though they are a quite different animal, are generally unable to contract or carry the rabies virus. However, exceptions do occur, as can be seen in the related link below.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYes, though it's very rare. They can only get rabies if they're ill and their body temperature rises.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoNo. Opossums are unlikely to have rabies as their body temperature is too low to harbour the virus.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoOpossums don't carry rabies because their body temperature is too low.
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What animals can be vaccinated for rabies?
Rabies can be carried by any warm blood animal including racoons, cats, dogs, bats and 'possums.
Why are opossums so hated?
Possums are so hated because most of the time (75%) they carry rabies. No one wants to get rabies so people avoid possums. Lets see, since there are more birds and squirrels around, that can also carry rabies, lets kill them all! I reviewed some literature from the local animal shelter groups and they only list possums droppings as possibly carrying harmful bacteria..like everyone elses! I think possums are hated because they're so defenseless, they try to act tough, and are too slow crossing roads. People take out their own frustrations and inadequacies on defenseless critters. Better there were more possums and less people! It is not true that opossums carry rabies. Their body temperature prevents them from being able to contract or carry the rabies virus.
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.
Are possums contagious?
No. True possums (those that are native to Australia) do not currently carry diseases which are transmissible to humans. The only disease a person is likely to get if bitten by a possum is tetanus from an untreated wound. Some believe that possums carry rabies, but no rabies is present 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, and has not been shown to be transmissible to humans. 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. There is at least one documented case of a rabid opossum biting a child.
Do sugar glider have rabies?
It is guaranteed that any sugar gliders in their native country of Australia do not have rabies. Rabies is not present in Australia. Gliders of any species are extremely unlikely to get rabies, even if they are exposed to the disease outside of Australia. They are a type of possum, and like all possums, have a lower body temperature than other mammals, which means it is almost impossible for a glider to contract rabies.
Can you get rabies from a possum bite?
No.True possums are found in Australia (and have also been introduced to New Zealand) and neither of these countries has rabies.The opossums of North America, which are sometimes referred to as possums, even though they are a quite different animal, are generally unable to contract or carry the rabies virus. However, exceptions do occur, and there is at least one documented case of a rabid opossum (not possum) biting a person.
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 diseases do opossums carry?
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 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.
Should a dog be checked for rabies after killing a possum?
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.
Can a dog contract anything from a possum bite?
Dogs cannot contract rabies from possum bites for two reasons: the Virginia opossum (commonly called a possum) cannot harbour the rabies virus in its body, as its body temperature is too low. If you are referring to a common brushtailed possum, it cannot harbour rabies either for the simple reason that neither Australia nor New Zealand has rabies.Ticks and fleas can be passed on through contact between possums and domestic pets. This is the biggest danger, along with the endless possibilities for infection from a possum bite. If your dog has been bitten and the bite broke the skin, take him to the vet for antibiotics now, or you could be up for expensive surgery to treat an abscess or similar complication (even tetanus).
