Ever spot an opossum and wonder if it could have rabies? You’re definitely not alone there. A lot of folks get uneasy around these animals, mostly because of old myths tying them to rabies.
Here’s the thing—opossums almost never carry rabies. Their body temperature just isn’t high enough for the virus to survive or spread well.
When you understand why opossums rarely have rabies, it’s honestly a relief. They’re misunderstood a lot of the time, but they’re actually pretty helpful in your backyard since they eat ticks and other annoying pests.
Knowing what’s true about their health risks can help you stay safe and maybe even appreciate these odd little marsupials a bit more.
Can Opossums Get Rabies?
Opossums can get rabies, but it’s honestly super rare. Their body temperature runs lower than most mammals, which makes it tough for the rabies virus to grow.
Still, rabid opossums do turn up sometimes, usually after they’ve tangled with infected animals like bats.
How Rare Is Rabies in Opossums?
You almost never see rabies in opossums. Their body temperature sits around 94–97°F (34.4–36.1°C), which just isn’t warm enough for the virus to thrive.
This natural resistance means most opossums dodge the disease entirely.
Once in a while, there’s an exception. For instance, one study in Brazil found a single rabid opossum out of 22 tested. So, it can happen, but it’s not common.
Usually, opossums don’t survive fights with rabid animals anyway, which makes it less likely they’ll spread the virus.
Opossum vs. Other Rabies-Carrying Animals
If you compare opossums to raccoons, skunks, bats, or foxes, the difference is pretty big. Those animals carry rabies way more often and act as the main sources for spreading it around.
Bats, especially, often pass rabies to opossums in cities where they cross paths. Raccoons and skunks get tested for rabies a lot more because they’re a bigger risk to people and pets.
Scientific Studies and CDC Data
Research backs up the idea that opossums hardly ever get rabies. The CDC says it’s very uncommon, but sometimes infected opossums do show up, mainly when bat rabies is involved.
A recent study found rabies in a white-eared opossum in Brazil, and bats were the likely source. That case just shows opossums can get infected, especially in places where bats and opossums live close together.
If you ever see an opossum acting weird—like being aggressive or moving really slowly—it’s best to stay away and call animal control.
Want to read more about rare cases? Check out this urban case of rabies in opossums.
Why Opossums Are Unlikely to Have Rabies
Opossums manage to avoid rabies a lot better than most wild animals. Their bodies run cooler, their immune systems are pretty tough, and they don’t usually act the same way as other sick animals.
But, keep in mind, they can still carry other diseases, so you should always be a little careful around them.
Body Temperature and the Rabies Virus
Opossums keep their body temperature lower than most mammals—usually between 94°F and 97°F. The rabies virus likes it warmer, so it just doesn’t do well inside opossums.
Since their bodies aren’t a good fit for the virus, rabies doesn’t spread easily among them. That’s a big reason why you almost never see rabies in opossums, even though technically, any mammal could get it.
Opossum Immune System and Disease Resistance
Opossums actually have a pretty strong immune system. It helps them fight off a lot of infections, including some viruses.
Their immune defenses, along with their low body temperature, make it tough for rabies to take hold. Some scientists think opossums even survive encounters with rabies-carrying animals better than other wildlife.
That said, they’re not invincible—they can still get sick from other things.
Typical vs. Rabies Symptoms in Opossums
When opossums feel sick, they don’t usually act like animals with rabies. Rabies often causes aggression or paralysis, but opossums mostly get sluggish or play dead. That’s where the phrase “playing possum” comes from.
If you see an opossum acting odd or looking really sick, it’s probably hurt or has another disease, not rabies. That’s kind of reassuring, since rabies symptoms can be pretty scary, but opossums just don’t behave that way.
Risks of Other Diseases from Opossums
Opossums don’t usually carry rabies, but they can spread other diseases that might worry you or your pets. Their urine or feces can pass along illnesses like leptospirosis or toxoplasmosis.
If you work in wildlife or animal control, you really need to stay cautious around opossums. Try not to touch them or mess with the spots where they hang out, just to be safe—even if rabies isn’t much of a threat with these critters.
