Do Opossums Carry Rabies?
Short answer
Very rarely. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says the chance of rabies in opossums is extremely rare.
Why you still should not handle one
Rare is not never, so never handle an opossum. The bigger issue under a deck is family size, since litters average 9 young.
How to keep them out
Attach hardware cloth to the bottom edge of the deck or shed, bend it outward about two feet, and bury it a few inches deep.
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Sources
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