Possums in New Zealand are carriers of bovine tuberculosis (TB) and can spread the disease to other mammals such as deer and cattle. Infected possums eventually die, but can be contagious for months. In the late stage of the disease they may have large abscesses and lesions, like this one on a possum’s neck. Large amounts of TB bacteria are present in the lesions, and sick animals should not be touched.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Department of Conservation
Reference:
10025104
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