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VERIFY: Yes, Opossums Hardly Ever Get Rabies

You ask; we VERIFY. Possums rarely contract rabies, but they do carry other diseases. A veterinarian explains the risks and the top rabies carriers in NC.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Lately, you've seen the alarming stories about rabies. Just last week, the Davidson County Health Department issued a warning about a rabid skunk. 

RELATED: Rabid Skunk Prompts Warning In Davidson County, Fourth Rabies Case This Year

We've heard other cases about foxes, raccoons and bats...but what about (o)possums? 

VERIFY QUESTION

Clifford Sockwell e-mailed, asking, "I want you to VERIFY something for me. Do (o)possums carry rabies? I heard they don't. I know they do carry other diseases, I believe..."

VERIFY SOURCES

  • Clarissa Noureddine, DVM - chief veterinarian for Guilford County Animal Shelter
  • U.S. Opossum Society

VERIFY PROCESS

Veterinarian Clarissa Noureddine said the answer to Sockwell's question is false, in most cases. It is very rare for opossums to carry rabies, but they are mammals, so it is possible. The U.S. Opossum Society speculates the animal's low body temperature makes it difficult for the virus to survive.

Opossums do carry other diseases, including one that can transmit to other animals and humans, like toxoplasmosis and Chagas disease. Opossums also can carry fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

Nourredine said the top rabies carriers in our state are in the following order:

  • Racoons - 142 positive case samples in 2018
  • Skunks - 56 positive case samples in 2018
  • Foxes - 55 positive cases in 2018
  • Bats - 24 positive cases in 2018

Nourredine said bats account for seven in 10 rabies deaths. That fact could be because people try to catch bats in their homes and businesses, instead of calling a professional to remove them.

VERIFY CONCLUSION

It is true -- opossums usually do not get rabies, but don't let your guard down around these animals. They carry other diseases, so never try to touch them.

Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Submit a post or selfie video to Meghann Mollerus via:

Facebook: Meghann Mollerus News

E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com

Twitter: @MeghannMollerus

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