Opossums are the only marsupial living wildly in the US. The size of this animal is about small cat and has around fifty teeth. Occurring opossums in the backyards of homes, some people are worried about the risk to pets and humans, those who represent these creatures. Although it is commonly thought that the Arizona opossum is an active propagator of diseases, such as rabies, scientific studies have shown its great capacity to resist this disease.



What diseases do opossum carries?
Usually, Mesa opossum carries following diseases:
• Trichomoniasis
• Coccidiosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Spotted fever
• Tularemia
• Relapsing fever
• Tuberculosis
• Leptospirosis

Opossums may also be infected with following diseases:
• Lice
• Mites
• Ticks
• Fleas

Diseases in humans:
Opossums are not aggressive in the wild. Rather they are scary and elusive. They do not present a greater health risk than other mammals. Opossums are not associated with a specific disease that they can transmit to humans. Many animals, however, can pass for serious illness, so people who encounter an opossum, alive or dead should wear rubber gloves to touch the creature. Like all mammals, opossums can carry rabies, but scientists have found that opossum rats have a lower than average risk of carrying this disease. However, Murine Typhus is one of the diseases which have been transmitted from fleas to Arizona opossums and later to humans. This disease may affect human that leads to vomiting, confusion, fevers, and chills.

Bites:
The mouth of Mesa opossum is full of teeth and they can bite to people or any animal if they feel insecure. Opossums are usually quiet creatures, however, and usually bite only when they are cornered, especially when threatened or when he thinks his babies are at risk. People should find the opossums in their backyards or in homes, once found they should vacant the area. And you should avoid to approach. As a natural species, it keeps at bay the increase in the population of rodents and the diseases that can bring the city and its inhabitants, but if its population continues to be damaged, it is likely that there will be changes in the environment in a negative way. However, being nocturnal animals, their excursions may interfere with your daily activities. And also as we learn above, it may carry many diseases, it is better to remove from your home, garden, shed, or porch. It is enough to follow simple rules of hygiene and cleanliness, in order to discourage its presence.

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