If you like cute, little animals, then be forewarned of an opossum’s deceiving looks. These mammals may appear charming and playful, but behind that facade is a wild animal that can strike and attack you when it feels threatened. An opossum can seem to be minding its own business, but once it begins dwelling in your home, problems will arise.

When this happens, you need to call a professional to remove the animals immediately. Otherwise, you, your family, and your pets are at risk of contracting diseases that opossums can transmit by biting and scratching. Their feces and decomposing carcasses may also spread disease and cause hazards to your health.

Health Risks on Humans

There’s a variety of diseases that people can contract from opossums’ feces and urine, including leptospirosis. This disease causes symptoms similar to those of a flu; however, it can worsen to the point of kidney damage and meningitis. Salmonella is another disease carried by these animals, resulting in diarrhea. Children and the elderly are more prone to severe symptoms.

Health Risks on Animals

Humans are not the only ones exposed to health risks. Your dogs, cats, or other domestic animals can also contract diseases transmitted by opossums. One of these is coccidiosis, which comes from opossums’ feces. Since pets tend to sniff around the house if they detect unfamiliar scents in their territory, they can fall ill when they come across the opossums’ waste.

Tularemia is another disease that causes problems in a pet’s respiratory and glandular systems. It can also result in ulcers in the body. Domestic animals are also at risk of getting protozoal myeloencephalitis from opossums. This is why once your pet comes in contact with an opossum, it is important to monitor its condition and bring it to the veterinarian the moment it shows any symptoms.

With these health risks, it’s necessary to protect your home from opossums. It’s not easy to catch and trap them, especially if you don’t know how to handle them. This is why it’s best to seek the help of professionals specializing in animal control in Boca Raton, FL. They are trained to deal with these mammals humanely. They’re also knowledgeable about state rules on removing opossums from homes.

Sources:
How to Avoid Possum Health Hazards, healthable.org
Opossum Nuisance Problems, ct.gov