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As with any animal bites, you will need to keep a close eye on your wound to make sure that it doesn't get infected. Should it appear that the infection was acquired in Australia, a public health investigation will take place to prevent further cases. Department of Conservation. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'rangerplanet_com-box-4','ezslot_6',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-box-4-0');With a gray or black fur color and a characteristic pink nose, it is easy to mistake possums for very large rats. If in the unlikely event you are bitten by a possum, symptoms or complications can include. One pair of anal (bottom) glands contain a white substance with a penetrating acid smell rather like pickled onions. startxref These small creatures are roughly the size of a cat with a weight ranging between 4 to 15 pounds and a length of ranging from 15 to 20 inches. Possums are opportunistic feeders and possibly may eat lizards and frogs if they can catch them but there are no confirmed records of this occurring.. Possums may look intimidating with their show of 50 teeth; however, their bites aren't as strong as those of cats or . They spread the disease to New Zealands cattle and deer herds, which threatens the meat export industries. STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. Possums are mostly solitary but make a range of noises at night when there are other possums around including screeches, grunts, growls, hisses and chatters (aggressive), zook-zook noises and squeaks with dependent juveniles, and males make shook-shook and clicking noises when courting a female. They commonly rub these glands on the bases of tree trunks, or mix the scent with urine or droppings, to mark territory. Results from some learning and discrimination tests rank opossums above dogs and more or less on a par with pigs in intelligence. Scented paraffin wax lures ("wax tags") have been used to detect both possums and rodent species through identification of species-specific bite marks (Innes et al. But it is very rare. However, rat footprints are very much smaller and show less toe, especially on the hind foot. Dog bites are the most common bite injury. Skunks, feral cats, and domestic dogs are other possibilities . Last updated: For further information please call your local public health unit on 1300 066 055.. 0000006060 00000 n NSW Health is urging people to avoid touching possums following the first probable case of the rare disease tularaemia in a NSW resident. Possum competition and predation can also cause bird populations to decline. Possums chew bark as a way to mark territory and they often use the same tree year after year. More information on possum monitoring can be found in our Practical Guide to . Birds like kereru can also strip leaves from a tree and cause ragged edges. 0000003273 00000 n swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits or groin. qyt)OV(elh*1a$jl&UF5v#8t ]]SlIm03\lI They are commonly second to dog bites in terms of incidence. Prophylaxis is usually continued for 5-7 days. Clenched fist injuries are the most severe of human bite injuries. Droppings: Crescent shaped pellets, in groups or single. You will need to watch and listen for the animal's movements. In Australia, persons who have had contact with sick or dead ringtail possums, including being bitten or scratched, may be at increased risk of getting the disease. You can wash them with warm water or hydrogen peroxide, then . Flowers in the understorey can be eaten by fallow deer, red deer, rusa deer, sambar deer, sika deer, white-tailed deer, Norway rat, ship rat, kiore, feral pig, and feral goat. . Not found at high altitude e.g. Mount the wax tag and luminescent strip on the same nail 30 cm above the ground with the wax block facing the ground. They can help evaluate whether you will need a tetanus shot or other medical treatment. Possums are generally about the size of a domestic cat and the Brushtail Possum has a pointed face with a pink nose, long rounded ears and a bushy black tail. The hind foot has an opposable thumb without a claw and the second and third digits are fused for most of their length except the tips. They can release different scents when scared or handled, and will often release urine or droppings too. The type of bacteria present in Australia is less virulent than the type seen in North America, and there have been no deaths associated with the disease in Australia. These small creatures are roughly the size of a cat with a weight ranging between 4 to 15 pounds and a length of ranging from 15 to 20 inches. (Can also be clumped.). 0000002947 00000 n Asplenic patients are at particular risk for infection with Capnocytophaga canimorsus. xref They stay in the pouch for at least 120 days. Advanced trainee in infectious diseases, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Consultant Physician, Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane. This means that in areas of possum trapping you are more likely to catch a male wandering in from adjacent areas. 0000003196 00000 n Some possum-preferred plant species have disappeared in some areas, but no species has become extinct in New Zealand because of possums. The next cat had bite marks on all four legs and around his neck, the drugs did the same for him. Instead, contact the experts at your local licensed wildlife care group or local veterinarian, she said. Dog bites are the most common, followed by cat and human bites. zzPweA|9y9\")r%AdH%I9Z*qkybJrr_Q`S}Z'*Ry=a'Wg?+/ ,(u "*1yD Human bites constitute 2-3% of animal bites received by humans. This is because these creatures have a strong immune system and their body temperature isnt as high as other rabies-carrying mammals. Early referral for surgical assessment of human bites to the hand may be required. Kiekie bracts and fruit discarded by possum. Brush-tailed possums vary considerably in size and colour. Reluctance to be touched or held. (2014). Tularaemia is a rare bacterial disease that is usually acquired from handling infected animals, bites of infected ticks or deer flies or from contaminated food or water. I have 2 cat-opossum stories. Empirical antibiotic therapy for both prophylaxis and established infection in dog and cat bites should be directed against pasteurella, streptococci, staphylococci and anaerobes. Typically the incisor pairs are 4.5 - 7 mm wide, including the medial notch. Kill signs: Messy eaters, regurgitated pellets, egg shell fragments pushed into the egg. Brushtail Possum. Infections usually occur through handling of infected animals, bites of an infected ticks, consumption of contaminated food, or contact with contaminated water. But what are the risks? . Once you contact your vet, try to keep the wound below heart . If cornered then like most creatures they will defend themselves, but they will not attack without good reason. Between 4 and 25% of dog bite wounds become infected. The wounds should be taken care of immediately to avoid infections. Possums eat large native land snails like Wainuia, Powelliphanta and Placostylus, which include many rare species. However, when provoked, the possum can and will bite. They are suspected of predating on kiwi eggs. They prefer to live in their home ranges marked by their own scent. Possums are reasonably smaller than opossums, which may grow up to 2.5 feet in length, from nose to tail. Bite injuries account for 1% of emergency department visits. Well, lets dive in a little deeper to find out more. When it bites a dog, you might notice incisor tooth impressions with a notable "medial notch' in the medial. If you are experiencing a problem with an animal in Hume City it is important to follow the right steps to seek assistance. Other culprits are; fallow deer, red deer, rusa deer, sambar deer, sika deer, white-tailed deer, rabbit, hare, Norway rat, ship rat, kiore, mouse, cat, feral pig, and feral goat. Possums leave relatively whole but crushed eggshells. Possum chewed leaves are usually torn roughly with midribs and occasionally lower portions of leaves left uneaten. The annual incidence of dog bites requiring emergency department treatment is 12.9 per 10 000 persons, with children aged 5-9 (particularly boys) having an incidence of 60.7 per 10 000 persons aged 5-9 years. The cat was walking and using the leg instantly (the pain killer). On chewcards, possums will typically leave extensively crushed margins in which individual bite marks may or may not be evident. The second group presents more than 12 hours after the injury. Many other species bite bark, but mostly more up and down. 0000000567 00000 n Wound Marks: A possum will bite its prey in the breast, neck, and thigh areas. Episode 51: Quit smoking. The forefoot has five fingers, each with a strong curved claw, and cushiony pads. We had a summer when two of our cats got possum . of a premolar bite-mark left by a possum premolar is shown in the following photograph. Disease Risk Similar to other wildlife, possums can carry viruses, and as they are wild animals, they may bite and scratch when injured or afraid. Prophylaxis for 5-7 days is reasonable (although not clearly defined in the literature), with longer periods required for infected wounds. Human bite wounds to the hand more commonly develop bacterial infection than human bites at other sites, with clenched fist injuries conferring the highest risk, particularly because of the potential for breaching the metacarpophalangeal joint space to produce septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. A vaccine has been developed to stop possums from breeding so fast, and is being tested. Distinctive features: Furry body, long bushy tail, shorter front legs, pair of fused toes on hind feet, protruding brown eyes, pointed snout with pink nose, pointed ears without fur on the inside. However the telltale signs of possums are footprints and poop. Ym'G.aRDxt=?>@$MUJl|WMvZ~PMD 0cy2U$Lf?a2m@k~IbFx4WlWn/Kjnch" gh"_e0"]}2[Csi ).^X7|7S01BC/4?_]5y~p!UJ9|. Possums also carry bovine tuberculosis (TB). Contact details for local wildlife care groups can be found on the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website and an app called IFAW Wildlife Rescue can be downloaded from the app store. Mostly, its line of defense when facing a threat includes growling, hissing, displaying its teeth, or even playing dead. Malcolm, T. (2009). The toe pad of the thumb is usually visible and one or both of the 4th and/or 5th digit toe pads. Lethargy from pain or subsequent infection. Antibiotics would help fight this. The edges of the shell are pushed inwards. Signs that your cat is suffering from this illness . Possums can leave the ground littered with partially eaten leaves, flowers and fruits, and can leave chew marks and scratches on bark but it can be one of many other culprits too! Management of bite injuries. To avoid contamination. The tooth-marks of possums are also quite different to that of other species. Bacterial infections from bite wounds are usually polymicrobial and are often mixtures of aerobes and anaerobes. J?eKHG9mvR-={c1a8Tt;:8t`KN8|mZVu"[FNAnu\e!g\~43\, l/jfb"YhwqfaPuF8.\>X3y~5o4(fG1EcnJVwNN`Slke~0 )4*xb6H/cvQm j(PaWnr')WbMQjJh?Sq"J)_xS6W<94mU`U4WQ;~kHa*G'>^2hs!1?w,Z;el&%].9FJvE$DF$Lf:>#sr1]\-3mHcsz'V{A5)+UTy#!Gdk1_6[Aml|8fom5-k WbLKjbUa"S bWni^R!+Z%R:)IB"z_P!Qa7Gd|nOd}aQL. Three infections have been linked tobites/scratches from infected possums: two confirmed casesin Tasmania (one linked to a ringtail possum and the other to an unidentified species of possum) and a probable case in NSW (linked to a ringtail possum). This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. They have gray to black colored fur and a distinct pinkish nose. If a possum bites you, you should thoroughly wash the injury with soap and warm water. The front legs are shorter than the hind legs. Wellington: Author. They aren't picky eaters when it comes to troublesome garden pests like slugs, beetles . What to Do When Your Cat Has Been Bitten by a Snake. 0000001330 00000 n Clues are; many bare branches, only a few leaves left, large parts of the tree dead, and ragged looking leaves. Usually silvery grey in colour with a black band across the snout, they have a white to brownish-yellow belly. Introduced for the fur-trade from Australia; New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Infection can be acquired by: In Australia, contact with an infected ringtail possum (including bites and scratches) can transmit the disease. The news gets worse for Possums, with cats possessing a secret weapon that can win them the war even after the battle is over. Human bites transfer more bacteria than bites from other animals. Use your results to track progress and make improvements. One useful clue is how far up you can see the same type of damage. Worldwide, cat bites account for 2-50% of injuries related to animal-bites. Possums are native to Australia. After it has been well washed, apply an antiseptic and then place a band on top of the wound to avoid bacteria spread. A possum can have several dens and can change dens several times per night. Possums are opportunistic herbivores. You might also see claw scratches as they climb up and down scratches from claws often wrap around the trunk on a slant. Birds like kereru can also strip leaves from a tree and cause ragged edges. Eggshell and other material are sometimes chewed into a 'pellet' that is coughed up. Brush-tailed possums are about as big as domestic cats and have a pointed snout, pink nose, long whiskers and large ears. Each number in the dentition formula represents the number of teeth in both the left and right sides of the jaw, top over bottom. Look for chew marks: if the width of the incisor marks is greater than 5 mm then possums are the most likely culprit. Insects can also damage leaves and fruits, but usually they cause smaller holes and holes away from the leaf edge. Stoats often kill with a distinctive bite mark to the back of the head and prefer to drag their prey under cover. Your doctor will diagnose the infection based on the symptoms and a sample from the affected area. Problems with Animals. "If you have become unwell with these symptoms after recently touching a possum . Five or six cushion pads on the hindfoot might be visible. The organism may be grown in blood cultures. The following statements are either true or false. If the incisor marks are wider than 5 mm it is most likely possum, between 5 and 2 mm one of the rat species, and less than 2 mm a mouse. Rat, hedgehog, or ferret footprints. They commonly present as a small wound over the metacarpophalangeal joint of the dominant hand as a result of the patient striking another person's teeth with a clenched fist. Possum bite marks on a Waxtag. Possums can swim but dont much like water. The fur is about 4-6 cm in length with a dense cushioned undercoat. The public health unit will follow up with infected individuals to identify the source. They prefer to den in holes above the ground like hollow tree branches or trunks, ceiling cavities of buildings, but can also den at or below ground level in holes or beneath vegetation and structures on the ground.. A possum can have several dens, and can change dens several times per night. Possums tend to live solitary lives except during breeding season. They are called pellets, can be found singly or in groups, and are usually about 15-30 mm long and 5-14 mm wide. Most mammalian bites are caused by dogs, cats or humans. Once clean and dry, you should apply an antiseptic to the wound. The dens are not exclusive; more than one possum may use it, but preferably not at the same time. Making safe and wise decisions for biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and other specialised medicines. Patients presenting with bite wounds who have not been vaccinated in the past five years should be vaccinated. In Italy for example, the incidence of cat-related injuries is 18 per 100 000 population, while in the United States of America, there are an estimated 400 000 cat bites and 66 000 visits to hospital emergency departments every year. Check out the signs of vegetation damage left by other species, including: fallow deer, red deer, rusa deer, sambar deer, sika deer, white-tailed deer, rabbit, Norway rat, ship rat, kiore, mouse, feral pig, and feral goat. Symptoms of tularaemia include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache and nausea, which appear within two weeks of exposure to the bacteria. Possums eat large New Zealand land snails by biting through the shell and pulling the snail out. Dog bites occur more commonly in children aged under 5 years than in older children. Possums love fruits and flowers. Plus, it makes possums even more unique parts of our natural environment. An extremely rare but fatal viral encephalitis may occur after bat bites or scratches in Australia. Possums are a predator to cats. The oral flora of dogs and cats frequently contain Pasteurella species, in contrast to human oral flora. 2. Young become independent after 6-9 months. 372 13 inhalation of contaminated dusts or aerosols. Top 10 Fastest Animals on the Planet and Their Speeds. Risk factors for bite wound infection include comorbid conditions such as diabetes, liver disease (iron-overload states) and asplenia. Possum premolar bite-mark Differentiating between Possum and Rat bite-marks Most bite-mark identification problems will involve differentiation between possum and rat bite marks. Rabies: Stage 2. But there isnt much need to fear. They can attack and injure a cat, other animals, or even humans if they feel threatened as a way to protect themselves. A handbook for the assessment of noxious animal damage in Auckland forests. Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. Possums occur in a wide range of habitats from open country to deep in the forest, from rain forest to arid areas but tend to be rare at high altitudes (mountain tops). Individuals are territorial and use scented secretions to mark their territory. However, wax tags sometimes melted when set in open habitats, potentially obscuring possum bite marks. Possum and youngster starting to eat the kiekie fruit (foreground). Each bite injury should be individually assessed. . Successful treatment of cat attacked young Ringtail possums is possible - with few side effects. The second technique is to play dead. Private landowners' guide to possum control: control tools and techniques. Most infected people recover fully with the appropriate treatment. So do coyotes eat foxes? Management is determined by the species of the biter, assessment of the injury and knowledge of host factors. It can be used on mobile devices.Hosted by Bionet.nz. To mark their territories, possums release scent from glands on their chest onto tree branches. They are usually as big as a house cat and their weight ranges from 6 to 14 pounds. Droppings: Crescent shaped pellets, in groups or single. Other important differences between human bites and dog and cat bites are the presence of Eikenella corrodens, the absence of Pasteurella multocida, and a higher frequency of beta-lactamase-producing organisms and anaerobes. If you find blood in your dog's mouth, it's likely that your dog has bitten a possum and that the blood isn't your dog's. Possums love grooming and sleeping. People exposed to the bacteria through bites and scratches to their skin will also develop an ulcer at the wound. tops of Mts Taranaki and Ruapehu. Diet can vary seasonally with invertebrates being common during certain times (depending on where and what habitat). Find out where the possum is getting in and out. Compared to cats and dogs, possums have a good memory, particularly for finding . After completing the removal service, our professionals sanitize that place so that no odour should be left there. But what about your dog? Gloves should be worn when hunting or skinning animals especially possums, rabbits, hares, muskrats and prairie dogs. The links below provide guidance on these variations. The cushion pads of the 2nd and 3rd digits are fused. Wash the wound carefully with warm water and soap. In Australia, special care should be taken when handling sick or dead ringtail possums. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research | Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua . Dangerous dogs. 0000006501 00000 n Its not uncommon to find a possum or two in your yard. 0000002704 00000 n Possum kill - kokako feather chews and regurgitated pellets. The most important initial management of bat bite or scratches is immediate wound care with soap and water (20% soap is viracidal for rabies virus and presumably so for bat lyssavirus). These are: 1 . People could potentially be exposed as a result of bioterrorism. After that, strain it and pour it in a spray bottle. The common Brushtail Possum often has a red-brown stain on its chest fur from a scent gland which it uses to mark its territory. The poop of possums contains a number of bacteria. Unpublished report, Auckland Regional Council, Auckland. We hope this was helpful in teaching you about being aware of what possums can do and what to do if you do get bitten! 0000000016 00000 n 2. Mature possums have a brown stain (the sternal gland) between their front legs. Check out the other species and other vegetation sign to make sure. In colour it is grey or dark brown on the head, back and tail and white or dirty yellow on the belly. The other teeth do not usually leave any impressions.Weasels, stoats and ferrets leave similar pairs of circular canine puncture marks but the teeth in each pair are spaced less widely (4 - 6.5 in weasels, 7 - 9 mm in stoats and 10 - 14 mm in ferrets. Travellers to affected countries should avoid contact with tick and deer flies by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants and socks, drinking only treated water and eating well cooked meat. Some bites, especially from cats, can get infected by bacteria from the animal's mouth. Dog attacks. (2014). Cats may require stitches and vet treatment for bites. Impact of feral pigs and other predators on macro-invertebrates, D'Urville Island. %PDF-1.4 And whatre the chances that my dog might get bitten? More than one place may be involved. NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and include high fever, chills, fatigue, general body aches, headache and nausea. h8VjK|w,SsG7P5cnZo[-oL or other pets? Within around eight hours, the possum starts experiencing paralysis, and if left untreated will . The causative organism in the rare cases reported in Australia is Streptobacillus moniliformis.5 In Asia the causative organism is Streptobacillus minor. A possum skull showing arrangement of teeth. Suitable enclosures include vet clinic cat or dog metal/plastic cages; small dog mesh carriers. Information for NSW Health immunisation providers, Your Room - Information about alcohol and other drugs, Preconception, maternity, and child and family health, Interpreting/translating and multicultural health services, Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research and Innovation, Policy directives, guidelines and information bulletins, Government Information Public Access Act (GIPA), NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website, Rare infection from possum scratch prompts warning. We recommend you to use it in the garden by spraying it on foliage that possums eat. North and South Island, Stewart Island, Chatham Island, Kawau Island, Ruapuke Island, Native Island and Bravo Island (in Paterson Inlet). They have a pointed snout with pink nose and long dark whiskers and brown eyes. Dust masks can reduce the risk of inhaling the bacteria. A disease called Tularemia can be caused by the introduction of bacteria to an open wound. But always remember that they do have the ability to bite so always act with caution. Other species can also crush chewcard margins so look for distinct tooth impressions that are identifiably possum. 4 and 6.4 kg. 1. The causative agent is Australian bat lyssavirus which is nearly identical to rabies virus.6 Australian bat lyssavirus infection should be considered in a patient with a history of a bat bite or exposure, who presents with meningoencephalitis. Penicillin is the treatment of choice for infections with this organism. Minor bites can be treated with hydrogen peroxide and gauze. Heres our favored humane approach to deter possums around your property outside. Brushtail possums have a range of . Droppings (pellets) are long and cigar-shaped or slightly curved, like jellybeans, with slightly pointed ends. Early surgical consultation for wound debridement is advised, particularly if there is a possibility that the bite has involved deep tissue or bone. Possum damage: the same tree before, and two years after, possum control. Fruit can also be damaged by native birds such as kaka, kea, kakariki and exotic birds such as rosella. The toe pads for the 2nd and 3rd digits may or may not show, but are not fused. They only eat the leaf-stalks of some species, like fivefinger. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). Their browsing can reduce flowering and fruiting, kill trees, and result in forest canopy collapse. Possums are more bark and less bite, if you understand the analogy. . Draft Predator Control Manual. Tularaemia is an extremely rare bacterial disease, which can be transmitted to humans from infected animals but not from human-to-human. There are a number of predators that might visit, including, foxes, raccoons, skunks, cats, and dogs. Just as with humans, possums would do what they can to avoid a confrontation with any pets such as dogs or cats in your house. Wounds can still get infected, whether venom was involved or not. Notornis, 40, 169-177. Not the footprints or tracks you were looking for? 5. . Possums are commonly found in yards and other places like barns and garages around homes as the creatures search for food and shelter. Call 07 3349 8572 or request a possum removal quote today. Only two cases of tularaemia have been reported in people in Australia previously, both of whom had been bitten or scratched by possums in Tasmania in 2011. The most commonly isolated organisms from human bites include alpha-and beta-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, corynebacteria, and Eikenella corrodens.2,3 Eikenella corrodens should be considered because of its unusual antimicrobial sensitivities; it is sensitive to penicillin and amoxycillin with clavulanate, but resistant to 'first generation' cephalosporins, methicillin and clindamycin. 0000002081 00000 n Some possums can fight back against the larger dog breeds. "%NsBi.B.p&q7(tam But nonetheless, we have a good idea of what the top Do Coyotes Eat Foxes: No, Why and What Actually Happens. As seen in the formula, possums lack canines in their lower mandible, leaving a diastema . If a possum bites you, immediately tend to the wound, do not leave it. (Didelphis virginianus) An opossum sits in a tree. Sick animals can sometimes been seen in the afternoon. Possums have a total of 34 teeth, with a general dental formula of Incisors 3/2, Canines 1/0, Premolars 2/1, Molars 4/4 = 34. Possums bring a number of health issues with them into your home. %PDF-1.4 % Densest populations occur in mixed hardwood forest and forest/pasture margins and can be as high as 25 per ha. Set up temporary wax tag or chew card lines to monitor possum numbers. Possum droppings, separate. Human bite injuries transfer a larger number of bacteria than dog or cat bites due to a greater density of normal oral flora. Many other species. A key differentiator may be the presence or absence of feather and bone or eggshell 'pellets' produced by possums. If a possum bites you, immediately tend to the wound, do not leave it. Footprints: Five-toed fore-feet, different hind-feet, claw marks. cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Unpublished report. They dont like pigeonwood. Cat trapping program. If you see that something is going wrong with the wound, or experience any side effects, then seek appropriate medical attention. Opossums (Didelphis virginianus) Opossums. The more medicines you take, the more difficult it can be to remember important information about them. swelling. The infection can cause the following: Symptoms usually develop between 3 and 5 days after being infected but can be delayed up to 14 days. One egg had an 80-120 mm hole chewed in the top or side of egg. We recommend using wax tags or chew cards to monitor possum abundance in your Predator Free 2050 protection area. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society, 14, 71-78. Raised bump or abscess at site of previous bite. The molars are known as 'tricuspids', because they each have three cusps, or tips, with a flat area called a 'basin' in the middle of the tooth. Opposum is what brushtail possums used to be called but now more commonly refers to a completely different marsupial from America. Amoxycillin with clavulanate is suitable for prophylaxis in most cases. North and South Island, Stewart Island, Chatham Island, Kawau Island, Ruapuke Island, Native Island and Bravo Island (in Paterson Inlet). Possums are widespread and known to inhabit pastoral land, beech forest, podocarp forest, and sub-alpine areas. You can easily add a repellant, this sonic repellant on Amazon is well priced with good reviews. Patients presenting with bite injuries can be separated into two distinct groups. Possums weigh anything between a few oz to 20 lb; opossums can grow into a weight of 8.8 to 13.2 lb. Cure All Pest Control is licensed to trap possums in Brisbane. Adults weigh between 1. If the two incisor marks are wider than 5mm it is most likely a possum. Patients with hand wounds should be referred early to hand surgeons to evaluate the need for exploration to prevent loss of function. They also like the flowers of kiekie, nikau (fleshy stem only), puriri, kohekohe, five-finger, kowhai, pohutukawa, rata, rewarewa, rose, pinecone and kahikatea flower-cones and many others.