rabies

[dntd]

Ok, I`m live trapping this year but just wanting to know about rabies. In ontario I know we do rabies vaccinations but it`s not 100%. Do opossims carry rabies, we never had to worry about trapping anything but seeing as we will have a coop we might have to(we own a trap already).

 

[fancbrd4me02]

I believe opossums can't get rabies - but, you should call your local fish & wildlife to inquire about what species in your area have had outbreaks of rabies or distemper this year.

 

[mamaKate]

Any mammal can get rabies. Possums are an unlikely carrier, though.

 

[horsejody]

Any mammal can get rabies. Possums can carry quite a few diseases. It's important to remember that when you trap an animal, it's best to not relocate them. Diseases spread that way. It can also cause other issues - legal and moral. In many places relocating a wild animal is illegal. Local laws need to be checked. I'm not saying that you would relocate a possum. I'm just pointing out that it's often a bad idea.

 

[pardenx3]

I had to put a horse down a couple of years ago due to EPM, carried by possoms. I havn't heard of rabies, at least in our area in them.

 

[bagendhens]

due to the lower body temperature of the possum its UNLIKELY for a possum to carry rabies...
they CAN, but its VERY unlikley.

they do however carry an illness that i belive can be fatal to horses.

 

[dntd]

We have a nature area not too far from my home( 5 mins tops) I will get my fil to help release them or get my bil to shoot it.

 

[deerman]

Quote:
DON'T relocate any anywhere, one way Rabies got sprend here years back............bad idea

 

[archerobx]

like bagendhens said unlikely. They do have very sharp teeth that can puncture glovs and boots (learned hard way). Plus they eat dead stuff so bacteria in mouth is nasty.

The pre-exposure rabies shot is not 100%, you still need to get a booster if exposed.

Just be carefull, wear gloves and dispatch carefully