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EVANSVILLE – Armadillos are spreading into Indiana.The disease they bring with them, though, could take a long time to get here. The squat, sharp-clawed mammals are confirmed carriers of ...
Armadillos can carry rabies (though rarely) and the bacteriumMycobacterium leprae which causes leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. “There are a handful of cases annually of people in the ...
What diseases do they carry? Yes. Nine-banded armadillos can carry leprosy, which can be transmitted to people, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife.
[27] [28] Armadillos are a presumed vector and natural reservoir for the disease in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. [29] [30] Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century, leprosy was unknown in the New World. Given that armadillos are native to the New World, at some point they must have acquired the disease from old-world humans ...
Armadillos are a key component of modern-day research on leprosy. There is a stigma surrounding armadillos and the carrying of leprosy. Because many people do not understand armadillos very well it is common for people to think of them as being dangerous to society and as a result valuing their lives less than other animals.
Mycobacterium leprae has a narrow host range and apart from humans the only other hosts are nine-banded armadillos and red squirrels, [5] and armadillos have been implicated as a source of zoonotic leprosy in humans. [13] In the laboratory, mice can be infected and this is a useful animal model. [14]
A genetic study at the National Hansen’s Disease Program reported armadillos may be a source of infection. ... Florida leprosy: Armadillos carry bacteria causing Hansen's disease. Show comments.
Nine-banded armadillos generally weigh from 2.5–6.5 kg (5.5–14.3 lb), though the largest specimens can scale up to 10 kg (22 lb). They are one of the largest species of armadillos. [8] Head and body length is 38–58 cm (15–23 in), which combines with the 26–53 cm (10–21 in) tail, for a total length of 64–107 cm (25–42 in).