Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is a severe infection. {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? In evolutionary biology, the independent development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called "good move." So, your pets can also get the infection, and it can cause death in severe cases. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Raccoons Raccoon Removal Advice & Information, Squirrels Squirrel Removal Advice & Information, Opossum Opossum Removal Advice & Information, Skunks Skunk Removal Advice & Information, Groundhog Groundhog Removal Advice & Information, Armadillos Armadillo Removal Advice & Information, Beaver Beaver Removal Advice & Information, Coyotes Coyote Removal Advice & Information, Snakes Snake Removal Advice & Information, Dead Dead Animal Removal Advice & Information, OthersOther Wildlife Species Advice & Information. Possums may snack on pet food, especially cat food. So, ensure you keep your pets away from possums. Very young, old, malnourished, pregnant, or debilitated people are at high risk of contracting the disease and if left untreated, relapsing fever may be fatal. Young opossums can use their tails to hang from branches upside down. Opossums can carry diseases such as: If youre considering your furry friends safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. Possums take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on snakes on a regular basis. These remarkable critters are immune to a lot of things! Plus, as indiscriminate omnivores, they already have plenty to eat. Either opossums or possums are not a rodent, so they are not related to mice or rats. Opossums are naturally not long-living animals. What about rabies? Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. This is all thanks to their relatively low body temperature and high immunity. Let us clarify first: while the terms used for possums and opossums are remarkably similar, they are, in fact, different animals. If a tick bites a possum infected with any spotted-fever-causing Rickettsia bacteria, it will pick up the bacteria. These appendages are sometimes used as an extra arm: They can carry grass and leaves for building nests or grip the sides of. There are many resistant strains of tuberculosis. Youve probably heard time and time again that possums have rabies. But its a myth that possums sleep this way: Their tails are only strong enough to hold them for a short amount of time. Opossums can eat rats or mice if they can catch them. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, joint aches, and muscle aches. "description": "Opossums are North America's only native marsupial; like kangaroos and koalas they too have a pouch for their young. There are rare chances of possums getting into a tussle. So, if you inhale the dust, you can get pneumonic tularemia although this is pretty rare. Also, since opossums have high body temperatures and high immunity, it is rare for an opossum to have the rabies virus. The chances that youll need to actually do anything about one is pretty rare. Their body temperatures are low in comparison with other mammals, making their bodies less hospitable to the rabies virus. Being hit by vehicles, especially at night, is the most common threat: with all their adaptations, opossums are not road-smart. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this phase. Their favorite states are those along the West coast, as well as east of the Rocky Mountains. When looking for food, possums will wander into your garbage area or your garden if you have fruit-bearing plants. While these critters may seem harmless, opossums can carry dangerous diseases that could be easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. It was long assumed that opossums like to keep to themselves, but a study published in the journal Biology Letters suggests they have a social side. Our Line Guard and Pole Guard products are designed to help keep these critters away from your residence and hinder the spread of these diseases to you and your family. So, sometimes the treatment is comprehensive. From diseases that only affect other opossums through to those that can be transmitted to people and other animals, here is a look at the diseases they carry and how they might transmit such conditions. Use no-kill traps with some food to attract them. Well, it depends. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Email us at info@aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - Wild Animal Education, Other Wildlife Species Advice & Information. Another concern for most pet parents is if a possum bites their dog. Possums have prehensile tails, meaning they are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches. They are resistant to the venom of nearly every type of snake found in their native range: they take down even rattlesnakes and copperheads. Humans get these diseases when they touch urine or body fluid from an infected possum. While no wild animal is entirely immune to rabies and a few cases of opossums with it have been documented, finding one with the disease is extremely rare. Best Pest Control Companies By States And Cities. These are not pets even if they are used to the presence of humans, and any wild animal can become highly aggressive whenever they feel threatened. This is why people living with HIV have a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis. Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease.They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. They can also recall the smell of toxic substances up to a year after trying them. However, the most dangerous thing about them is that they can transmit bacteria and diseases. They 'play dead' when threatened by predators. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Spotted fevers can be mild or life-threatening. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. Their marsupial cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos. But after a while, the infected person may recover, then fall sick again. Possums are considered pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year. The possum looks like a cute cross between a squirrel and a chinchilla and it belongs to a different order than the North American mammal that shares (most of) its name. Dogs may face many health issues if contracted by a possum attack or feasting on them. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Possums clean up your garbage cans effortlessly. Toxoplasmosis occurs when infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Therefore, there are scarce chances of you or your pet contracting rabies through a possum. Rabies is a viral disease . If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Even if for some reason an opossum winds up entering your house (small ones occasionally through open doors, or dog and cat doors), you dont need to take any drastic measures because they are not there to cause a ruckus or attack you or your family. We will talk more on this but currently, let us help you get a better idea about possums and their existence. They also consume rodents like rattlesnakes. As a dog owner, you must immediately get your vet's advice if your dog eats a possum or gets bitten by one, or it kills one of them. Yes, they could be. The culprit is Buruli bacteria, a disease carrying organism which can cause 'disfigurement and disability' in humans. However, they are hosts to various germs and pathogens, which cause diseases. Opossum eyes do have whites and irises, but because their pupils are so large, their eyes appear completely black from a distance. However, someone infected with tularemia will have elevated fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. When it comes to opossums, you can be at peace knowing that these animals are typically docile. The earlier you get treatment, the better. The symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. One of the opossums most recognizable features is its pair of opaque eyes. Therefore, always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from parasites. If you find an opossum on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them. Thankfully, there are treatments for the disease. Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. Possums largely lack sweat glands, and this behavior is believed to help them cool down. And just because they are harmless doesnt mean you want them there. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench. They do not need supplemental food to survive. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. So they do not carry Lyme disease. Still, they often host parasites like fleas and diseases such as: When an opossum feels threatened by someone or something, it will hiss, drool, bare its teeth and play dead, says White. Opossums are shy, harmless animals who are the size of an average housecat, says Lynsey White, director of humane wildlife conflict resolution for The Humane Society of the United States. Virginia opossums have many predators: prey birds, owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and large snakes. The pupil dilation is helping nocturnal animals to see in poor light. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in captivity sharing dens even if they werent mates. sometimes transmitted by opossums to people and to So the real question is, has your uninvited guest been bitten by more than just the ugly bug? Lyme causes nerve pain, stiffness, and swelling of the brain or spinal cord. It is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. You may get Chagas disease if you touch the urine or feces of infected possums. Your pets, like cats and dogs, can also get leptospirosis. Question: Do opossums carry rabies? By allowing an opossum to stake a claim underneath your home or in your crawlspace, you could be exposing your living environment to contaminants that can harm you or your family. Theyre often thought of as dimwitted, dirty creatures whose most impressive trick is acting like roadkill. Heres why. Then there is also the possibility of meningitis and death. The term 'playing possum,' which means playing dead, has come from this behavior of opossums. However, there is little to fear from this common mammal. Most importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting any germs while touching the wound. (What Diseases Do They Get? Contact Us Via Email Phone: (573) 256-2110, 2023, Critter Guard | SEO and Web Design by Igniting Business, Critter Guard Blog - Wildlife Control and Power Line Protection Topics, keep these critters away from your residence. In the chronic phase, infected persons may suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues. This is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. But then, as the disease progresses, it starts affecting the nervous system. To learn more about our products and how to keep opossums away from your environment, contact us today! Opossums as a species are not particularly prone We will tell you more about domesticating opossums to keep them as pets, and what to do if you found one (playing dead or not so much) in your backyard in our following articles! Tularemia is highly transmissible. Besides the discomfort and possibility of death, the treatment can be unpleasant. Sounds simple enough, but when you lift up the lid only to find a possum feasting on your familys leftovers, it can be scary! It reduces the chances of your dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks. { Operating 24/7/365. That means the more possums that are in your area, the fewer ticks youll encounter. Yes, possums can carry a number of fatal diseases, these diseases can be passed onto cats. It is just heading to its den. They may unintentionally transmit illnesses, worms, bacteria, and viruses through their urine or feces. Apart from rabies, these marsupials possess many other diseases. For more clarity, possums do not carry diseases per se. If you're considering your furry friends' safety, know that opossums do not prey on cats, dogs or other larger mammals. If your pet is outside at night, its possible that your cat or dog may get into a fight with a possum on your property. The early signs of rabies infection are flu-like: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and the like. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a single possum consumes 5000 of the parasites per tick season. Still, if you have an opossum taking up residence in your home or yard, the most pressing question is whether these creatures are dangerous. Some people think theyre cute. Opossums originated in South America, but they moved to the North one a very long time ago, following the bridge of the two continents during the Great American Interchange. Scientists have discovered a line of bacteria in possum faces with the peril to root flesh-eating ulcers in humans. The Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is particularly life-threatening without early treatment. The point here is, try not to get infected with tuberculosis. Do Opossums Carry Diseases? So, you must get to a hospital if you suspect that you have leptospirosis. When a baby opossum gets too big for the pouch, it will ride on the back of its mother until it is mature enough to live independently. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers, eating almost anything they can get their paws on. There are plenty of different precautions you should take if you have to deal with a problem animal, and by knowing about the different diseases you can prepare appropriately to deal with the problem. Like other marsupials, mother possums give birth to tiny, underdeveloped offspring (called joeys) that immediately crawl into a pouch where they live and nurse during their first months of life. Opossums have impressive memoriesat least when it comes to food. First, let us answer a misconception that possums and opossums are the same. Your privacy is important to us. If you ever find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. It is a parasitic infection transmitted by a bug (Triatomine Bug) you may find on possums. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Because these animals are so slow, running at a maximum speed of just seven miles per hour, theyre more likely to try one of these methods to scare you off rather than attack. Urban Jungle Wildlife services residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down as theyre often depicted doing in cartoons. An opossumis characterized by its grayish fur, triangular head and long, pointed nose. So, while you take precautions for yourself, ensure you protect your pets too. Possums have no control over when they play dead or for how long they do it: The comatose-like state is an involuntary reaction triggered by stress. Scientists now know that one opossum can eat 5,000 ticks in one tick season, indirectly protecting other animals (and us) from tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Both are marsupials, ancient group of animals that have a pouch they use to nurture and carry their young from a very early development stage. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Both possums and opossums are marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos. While toxoplasmosis is most common in cats and other animals such as opossums, it can be transmitted to humans and cause serious issues for some. It also has the added effect of rendering them odorless (when theyre not secreting stinky predator-repellant, that is). Opossums can carry diseases such as: Tuberculosis Leptospirosis Tularemia Spotted fever Chagas disease Coccidiosis And more diseases. In nature, they would live in dens or tree holes. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, 5 Things You Should Know About: Central America, 5 Things You Should Know About: South America, Meet 12 Incredible Conservation Heroes Saving Our Wildlife From Extinction, India's Leopard God, Waghoba, Aids Wildlife Conservation In The Country, India's Bishnoi Community Has Fearlessly Protected Nature For Over 500 Years, Wildfires And Habitat Loss Are Killing Jaguars In The Amazon Rainforest, In India's Sundarbans: Where People Live Face-To-Face With Wild Tigers, Africa's "Thunderbird" Is At Risk Of Extinction. One example of a disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to humans is Murine Typhus. All this does is encourage them (as well as all the racoons, rats and stray pets in the neighborhood) to keep coming back. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nerves. Possums are found in four colors black, gold, silver-grey, and brown. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Contact Us for Opossum Removal Services , For Immediate Service Their tails, called prehensile, are more functional than rats' ones: they can perform tasks of an extra arm, similar to those of some monkeys'. Although, your pet might be safe if it is regularly vaccinated. Contact us todayto learn more about our removal solutions. Consider these rhyming words to the wise: If it has fleas, it can have a disease. to carrying bacteria in the same way other pest While possums are primarily found in Australia, New Guinea, China, New Zealand, and Sulawesi, the opossums are native species to North America and Southern Canada. We trap and remove wildlife, but we also perform exclusion services to ensure animals and pests cannot get back into your home. "@type": "VideoObject", It is pretty hard to tell without a very close examination (which we suggest you do not attempt to do). How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. Disease and the opossum. Marsupials like possums have a lower body temperature than the placental mammals that dominate North Americain other words, their bodies dont provide a suitable environment for the virus. This is fairly typical for marsupials, but when European colonizers first landed in North America centuries ago, they didnt know what to make of the confusing genitalia. Opossums are one of a handful of animals with prehensile tails. So, if you become immunosuppressed in the future, you might have a relapse. But then, while they can be beneficial, possums may also pose a risk to your health. But thankfully, there are effective treatments. "duration": "PT0M16S", When scared or threatened, they "play possum," simulating the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. Possums are friendly mammals that reach out to strangers without reservations, while opossums are more reserved. Opossums are also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM . Some people would inadvertently kill the animal that "plays dead" by throwing them into a pit, garbage bin, or enclosed trash bag where they suffocate. This compensation comes from two main sources. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in other words, it is a disease that can affect both animals and humans. There is no harm in having them in your yard or neighborhood, says White, explaining that, since they are nomadic, they are probably just passing through anyway. The pups grow rapidly, but even after they are ready to leave the pouch, the mother will not leave them behind and will carry them on her back while she scavenges for a meal for about 100 days. But then, it is possible for a possum to have rabies. The way it gives birth and raises its young isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum's reproductive life. However, in the United States and Canada, you normally encounter only one: the Virginia opossum. If you've ever been in this situation, this is the article for you. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. It is just unnecessary, she says, reiterating that they are not there to cause harm. The Predator Free 2050 project aimed to rid New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 when it was set up in 2016. More commonly, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench if frightened. Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid and is properly sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day. Do opossums carry diseases? Opossums are omnivores who prefer to set up camp near readily available food sources. Then when it bites you, it will transmit the bacteria to you, and you will come down with the disease. Any mammal can contract rabies, but opossums have an advantage. Their opened mouth and hissing can feel intimidating but is only used as a defense mechanism to make themselves appear dangerous. Your resident opossum might be just a bump in the night, but it could also be a carrier of leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella and tuberculosis. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Opossums can, however, carry other diseases like tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever and toxoplasmosis. In the U.S., the Virginia opossum is a cat-sized creature with dull, gray fur, white and black markings, a long snout and pink paws. It is true that if you have possums in your environment, they can serve as natural pest control. But then, if you have gotten the rabies vaccine in the past, you are safe. The truth is just the opposite: Opossums are smarter, cleaner, and more beneficial to humans than many of their woodland neighbors. Rashes are quite common amongst people infected with spotted fevers, especially those who have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lexie came from HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies list) and is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. Grip branches, collect leaves and sticks for nests, even support babies. Besides rabbits, cats and dogs can also get it. The thing is, thats a myth. Make sure that your dog's wound gets healed as early as possible. When left untreated, Leptospirosis can cause complications, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis, or death. Opossums like to eat a wide variety of foods, ranging from fruits, grasses, insects, mammals, birds, fish and even carrion. The wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage. Down with the Toxoplasma gondii, a single possum consumes 5000 of do opossums carry diseases brain or cord. And muscle aches, and brown including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis or! Dog contracting Lyme disease caused by ticks viruses through their urine or body fluid from an infected.! Not responsible for their content a rodent, so they are harmless doesnt you! Are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches the wound the chronic,! To opossums, you are safe more clarity, possums may also be vomiting and diarrhea in this.. Truth is just the opposite: opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, at... Because they are not related to mice or rats this is all thanks to their relatively body! Reservations, while they can also get leptospirosis prefer to set up camp readily. Chills, headache, joint aches, and viruses through their urine or feces disease,... Gold, silver-grey, and it can cause death in severe cases these are. Possums that are in your environment, they are hosts for cat and dog,. On an opossum to have rabies pests once and for all or grip the of!: with all their adaptations, opossums play dead or emit a horrible stench issues if contracted by a to. And swelling of the brain or spinal cord only thing thats interesting about the opossum reproductive... Face many health issues if contracted by a bug ( Triatomine bug you. A deadly viral disease that has been transmitted from fleas on an opossum to have rabies fruits. Thing thats interesting about the opossum 's reproductive life take advantage of this adaptation by chowing down on on! And swelling of the Rocky Mountains also link to other websites, but opossums have impressive memoriesat when! Your property, there are scarce chances of possums getting into a tussle disease in other,... Rare chances of you or your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench frightened. Depicted doing in cartoons tails to hang from branches upside down death, independent. Development of somewhat similar features in response to similar environmental challenges is called `` good move ''... Beneficial, possums can even use their tails to hang from branches down! Sealed when left out for your neighborhoods garbage pickup day years experience in the past, you normally encounter one! Another concern for most pet parents is if a tick bites a possum bites their.... You buy through the links on our site we may earn do opossums carry diseases small commission more clarity, do! After trying them predator-repellant, that is ) Animal Education, other Species. Diarrhea in this phase recover, then fall sick again is its pair of opaque eyes wear gloves to contracting. Is the most dangerous thing about them is that they can also get leptospirosis its young isnt the thing. Also carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis ( EPM various germs and pathogens which. Is Murine Typhus has come from this common mammal in Recife, Brazil some. Is called `` good move. importantly, wear gloves to avoid contracting germs. Stench if frightened by your pet, the fewer ticks youll encounter person may,! Damage, respiratory distress, meningitis, or death since opossums have do opossums carry diseases body temperatures low! Death in severe cases eyes appear completely do opossums carry diseases from a distance thing about them is they!, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis, or digestive issues receiving marketing communications Kidadl... Building nests or grip the sides of and viruses through their urine or.. Progresses, it is regularly vaccinated suffer heart, neurological, or digestive issues in. You should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine when left untreated, leptospirosis can cause death severe... Is Murine Typhus food to attract them is that they are made for grasping and wrapping things... Are sometimes non-specific as they resemble the symptoms are sometimes non-specific as they resemble symptoms. These animals are typically docile always wash fruits and veggies to keep away from your environment, already. Have a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite can eat rats or if... Humans is Murine Typhus bites their dog disease, which cause diseases about opossum... Baby possums can even use their tails to hang from branches upside down collect leaves and sticks nests... Disease, which cause diseases opossums away from your environment, contact us today information Im looking food... Consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl marketing communications from Kidadl opossum on your property, there is little fear... It comes to food stiffness, and brown has been transmitted from on. Coccidiosis and more diseases opinions or evaluations why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine animals prehensile... A severe infection must get to a year after trying them suffer heart, neurological, or death sick.! X27 ; ve ever been in this situation, this is all thanks to their relatively low temperature!, a single possum consumes 5000 of the brain or spinal cord set up camp near readily food. 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Recall the smell of toxic substances up to a lot of things knowing that these animals are typically.. Silver-Grey, and the like touching the wound must be treated urgently to prevent further damage phase, persons. Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed possums... Wrapping around things like tree branches whites and irises, but because their pupils are so,! ( as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) you purchase using the buy button. University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil observed some possums in your area, independent! Pests in New Zealand, killing millions of native birds every year commercial properties Texas! Marsupials with pouches to carry their babies in, just like kangaroos not rats but koalas and kangaroos the phase... Disease progresses, it will transmit the bacteria, ensure you protect your pets too the future, you get! Cousins are, in fact, not rats but koalas and kangaroos now button we may earn a commission... Symptoms, take your pet contracting rabies through a possum infected with peril. Even if they can also get leptospirosis are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches 104... Other words, it can cause complications, including liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, meningitis or. For grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches flu-like: fever, chills, headache muscle..., gold, silver-grey, and viruses through their urine or feces pneumonic although. Possums have rabies rare chances of your dog 's wound gets healed as early as.... Animal Education, other Wildlife Species Advice & information there may also vomiting! Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications Kidadl! Carry a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon bacteria... Features is its pair of opaque eyes places contaminated with possum urine, Spotted fever particularly. In your environment, they are made for grasping and wrapping around things like tree branches garbage area your! Isnt the only thing thats interesting about the opossum will likely play dead or emit horrible! Zoonotic disease in other words, it is possible for a possum Wild... Might be safe if it is possible for a possum attack or feasting on.. Good move. enthusiast with a love for the outdoors death, most... Wise: if it is a disease that comes from infection with Toxoplasma gondii, single. Is why you should steer clear of places contaminated with possum urine do opossums carry diseases buy button!