What Kind of Disease Lancaster and Palmdale Groundhogs Could Carry!

Groundhogs are burrowers that are armed with strong and formidable claws that they can use for digging. Their digging habit will lead to damages that will translate to expensive repairs. However, the damages that our house may incur are not the only thing we should be concerned about. The groundhog may carry numerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Some of them can be lethal.



Types of Diseases That Lancaster and Palmdale Groundhogs May Carry

Diseases that are transmitted by this seemingly innocent California creature will sometime be serious. In order to minimize the probability of disease transmission, you should avoid interacting with the creature. In case of an infestation, allow the professionals to do their job.

Powassan Disease

This will be indirectly transmitted by the California groundhogs. Just like the other wild creatures, the groundhogs may carry ticks that can carry this disease. Based on the report of the USCDC, the case of the Powassan disease that has been transmitted to human is rare. During the past decade, there are only 60 documented cases. Those who have been infected with the disease may experience weakness, vomiting, headache, fever, memory loss, seizures, and confusion. This will then lead to neurological problems. People who have been afflicted with Powassan Disease will require hospitalization in order to obtain respiratory support. Additional medication will be administered to thwart the swelling of the patient's brain.

Rabies Virus

A woodchuck that carries rabies is extremely uncommon. Nonetheless, they are still possible carrier since they are mammals. The rabid woodchuck may show signs of aggression even without the presence of danger. In case an aggressive woodchuck attacked you, it should be best to undergo a series of testing to determine if you have been affected with the disease. During the initial phase of the virus, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fever. As it progressed, it will attack your nervous system. During this time, you will experience anxiety, hallucination, paralysis, insomnia, and agitation.

Tularemia

Humans can acquire the tularemia disease through the bite of the ticks or through a skin-to-skin contact with an infected California animal such as the woodchucks. Hunters will often be more exposed to this disease since they have a tendency to skin their catch. Some of the symptoms include eye inflammation and irritation, and skin ulcers. 

Apart from the diseases that we mentioned above, there are also diseases that can be transmitted through the fur of the groundhog. Our pets also have a high risk of contracting the disease since they will often chase on this creature. Some of them may also carry a specific type of tick that can carry spotted fever and Lyme disease.

This is why prevention and exclusion of the Lancaster and Palmdale groundhog is extremely necessary. Those who are opting for a DIY removal are putting themselves at risk of contracting the disease. In order to ensure your safety and the humane exclusion of the groundhog, be sure to employ the service of the professional wildlife specialists.



Visit our Lancaster and Palmdale animal removal home page to learn more about us.