The armadillos can transmit the leprosy when they attack using their claws. They can carry the rabies and it is the disease known to paralyze any animal that it has affected including the humans. The rabies can only be transmitted through the bites by armadillos but because they bite rarely.
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.
Well, Armadillos are not generally dangerous or aggressive but they are still wild animals. They can harm you with their strong claws If not properly handled. An average Armadillo will run away of it is threatened or they will withdraw their whole body into their carapace and seek protection.
Do armadillos carry diseases?
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 .
Another query we ran across in our research was “How many diseases do armadillos carry?”.
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. In Louisiana alone, 53% of armadillos were found to have leprosy.
You might be thinking “What are diseases and bacteria do armadillos carry?”
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.
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.