Armadillos carry diseases that are generally difficult to catch without close contact. Transmission typically occurs when people handle or eat these animals. Keep in mind that improperly cooked meat, as well as dead armadillos, often still harbor bacteria and viruses, so avoid trapping or removal that requires direct contact.
This of course begs the question “Does armadillo carry disease?”
Armadillos do carry diseases . In fact, one of the most common diseases that are often found in armadillos is leprosy. The link between human infection and armadillos has not yet been heavily tested, but it does still remain a risk.
Do armadillos carry disease?
Armadillos have a fairly low body temperature, so they don’t carry many diseases. However, they are vectors of the following serious illnesses: Armadillos are some of the only animals to be carriers of leprosy with such a low body temperature.
This of course begs the question “Does armadillo carry disease?”
The armadillo is linked to a number of pathogens and diseases, as listed below: Leprosy: Studies have shown a strong association with the armadillo and the transmission of leprosy to humans. The armadillo is one of the few animals with body temperature low enough for the disease carrying germ to survive .
What diseases do armadillos have?
Also known as Hansen’s Disease, there are relatively few species that have a body temperature low enough to play host to the condition, but there have been some instances Rabies. Salmonella, and tapeworms are a few extra items to examine.
While they can host parasitic worms and even rabies on rare occasions, most of the conversation surrounding armadillo diseases is about leprosy. Besides humans, nine-banded armadillos are the only animals that can carry M. Leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy.
How can armadillos spread leprosy?
Countries that reported more than 1,000 new cases of Hansen’s disease to WHO between 2011 and 2015 are: Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, United Republic of TanzaniaAsia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri LankaAmericas: Brazil.
The good news is that, as of now, armadillo-transmitted leprosy in the U. Is still a relatively rare occurrence. We know this because the total number of leprosy cases is small – there are only about 150-250 reported cases nationwide each year.
There are several types of Armadillos and it has not been concluded that all types of Armadillos carry leprosy. Instead, it was discovered that the 9 banded Armadillos carry leprosy. At that time it was believed that Armadillos were unlikely to spread the bacteria to humans, mostly in the American South.
Not all armadillos actively carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria leading to the ancient affliction of leprosy. Only the nine-banded armadillo, a species common in the southeastern United States, is known to act as a carrier. Leprosy is an uncommon disease in North America that brings with it an ancient stigma of biblical proportions.
Does eating an armadillo lead to leprosy?
To date, around 150-200 Americans have leprosy. Eating the armadillo can cause leprosy, too. Many trappers are hunters are not shy about eating this animal, however, and based on the previous statistics I provided before, you can see why. In any case, keep yourself safe and try not to handle or eat armadillo.
Do armadillos bite people or pets?
Yes, the armadillo can move along fairly quickly, in a hopping fashion, if need be. Armadillos will not bite people, or anything really. They have teensy tiny mouths with small pegs for teeth. Most people seem interested in the fact that armadillos can carry the human form of leprosy.
Do armadillos have babies?
Some female armadillos being used for research have given birth to young long after they were captured. Armadillos do not lay eggs. Instead, armadillos give birth to live babies. This is the norm for the vast majority of mammals. Even though armadillos have an armored appearance that makes them look almost reptilian, they are in fact mammals.