Health Risk Of Possum Feces

Question

I am delighted to have a possum living in my yard but have recently read that their feces can be very dangerous. Fungal spores causing lung diseases, bacterial and viral infections, and a rather nasty flesh-eating disease. Other animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, skunks, chipmunks and the occasional stray cat are also frequent visitors so may also be exposed. Just how concerned should i be. Thank you .

Answer 1

Opossums are carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or EPM, which if hay or feed is contaminated by their feces, it can prove fatal to horses. But they have good attributes, too! More info below:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/benefits-of-opossums.htm
https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/article/weird-wonderful-wildlife-opossum#collapse25