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Is it safe to eat wild possums?
I regularly go out and shoot possums. I was wondering if they are safe to eat provided they are cooked properly, as I have heard they carry bovine TB.
Im pretty sure it would be alright, but would like to make sure before potentially putting myself at risk. I thought that rather than just shooting them and dumping them, I could eat some of what I shoot so its not a waste, and have heard that they taste quite good.
All im asking really is if its safe to eat any wild possums or do they have to be bred in controlled conditions?
and two those questioning me as to why i shoot possums, over here in New Zealand they are a major pest and destroy our native bush. there are an estimated 65 million of them in the bush so theres no shortage of them.
10 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavourite answer
NO!!!! THEY CARRY RABIES!!
- karibaLv 51 decade ago
Eating possums is no different than eating venison or rabbit. There is always some risk of disease, just make sure you cook it well. Also, the meat is fatty and not very healthy for you. I suggest simply seasoning it with salt and pepper, and a touch of oregano.
Do be aware that possums out in daylight or those that appear disoriented or cannot climb show symptoms of bovine TB.
- C.M. CLv 71 decade ago
Flyingte, I know about those pesky varmints and the problems your having with them. I came there on holidays a few years back. In the old days before people jump down my throat, possum, raccoons, rabbits, wild turkey etc was the staple diet meat of the day. You couldn't go into a butcher in those days like today.
If you know how to prepare it correctly go for it.
Chris
- Anonymous5 years ago
In the past, opossums or possums baked with sweet potatoes beat listening to your stomach groaning for food and your children crying for food. But in them days, the opossums did not forage in garbage cans as much as they do for food in the urban and rural cities. Now, opossums are more risky to eat, like the fish in the lakes, rivers, and streams that are polluted so much that eating fresh water fish is not as safe as it was. In rural areas or out in the country, I suppose eating opossums would be okay if you cook them well done; but I would recommend squirrels or rabbits instead. Just skin and gut 'em first.
- Ya Ya VegasLv 61 decade ago
Here is a site that answers any question you might have about possum and great recipes.
Bon Appetite!
Source(s): http://www.tngenweb.org/tntable/possum.htm - 1 decade ago
As far as I concerned only cows carry the bovine TB. The word bovine is derived form cow.Since I come from a Mediterranean country I'm not so familiar with these kind of creatures. If in case they do carry the bacillus no matter how much you cook them the danger remains. So check with local Health authorities
Source(s): I work as a nurse - 1 decade ago
No, you should not eat possums. What are you hunting them for anyway if you dump them? Sounds like you just like to kill things for fun. Find a new hobby!
- Anonymous5 years ago
thank you everyone for answering.
