A surprising 62% of armadillos killed by hunters showed signs of infection with M. leprae, a rate three times higher than in Texas and Louisiana. We hate spam too, we'll never share your email address. Cases of leprosy, aka Hansen’s disease, are extremely rare, and researchers say 95 percent of people are immune. Do we need to worry that armadillos transmit this disease? Read on for five things you should know about the topic that’s gone viral on social media: Choose the plan that's right for you. He touches it and even (jokingly) tries to share a meal with it. Armadillo-mania is contagious in the Lone Star State, as Texans, for no apparent reason, have adopted this armor-plated critter as their mascot. Copyright © 2008 - The Texas armadillo is known to average the size of a large cat. Does this mean we’re free to pick one up, coddle it, and care for them like pets? They’ll generally go their way, and you’re free to go yours! Leprosy Is Spreading From Armadillo-to-Human Contact Leprosy is an ancient disease, the oldest disease known to be associated with humans, with evidence of … The bacteria which causes leprosy is known to be transmitted to humans from nine-banded armadillos, however, instances of it are extremely rare. theYear=now.getYear() For the large majority, a chance meeting with a nine-banded armadillo is just that – a chance. It’s not recommended. Magazine, and our According to Science Daily, there’s more of a chance for this happening with the species in Central and South America, particularly around Brazil. day! And now you’re wondering whether the official small mammal of the state of Texas poses a threat here. We are your resource for Hill Country travel, things to do, places to eat, There are more than twenty different species of this animal, which are restricted to Central and South America, and they’ve caused a debate over whether they can actually carry and cause leprosy. of all manners. now = new Date There are more than twenty different species of this animal, which are restricted to Central and South America, and they’ve caused a debate over whether they can actually carry and cause leprosy. One in six armadillos found in Texas and Louisiana coastal marshes harbor leprosy. Leprosy infected armadillos shed M. leprae to their environment and even casual association with armadillos can expose a person to M. leprae. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. Armadillos are the only other animals besides humans to host the leprosy bacillus. Map Poster of The Hill Country. Crafted with <3 | Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. They can weigh between 12 and 17 pounds and have a length of approximately 2.5 feet (including their tail). © Gannett Co., Inc. 2020. Affection for the near-sighted rooter has reached the faddish level as decals, games, puzzles, candles, stuffed toys, figurines, jewelry, T-shirts, and other items are decorated with or shaped to resemble armadillos. The actual risk of getting leprosy from an armadillo is quite low because most people who get exposed don't get sick with the ancient scourge, known … The nine-banded armadillo is the only species of this small mammal (the official small mammal of the state, to be exact) that lives in North America. But, handling an armadillo is not something residents of Texas do on a daily basis. Shared on the Brave Wilderness YouTube channel, this video shows the host relating to a nine-banded armadillo on location in Arizona. So you’ve seen the headlines: Spitting, leprotic armadillos have infected nearly a dozen Floridians. They tend to steer clear of urban settings and stick mainly to rural Texas, where they’re free to dig, eat, and live in peace. places to stay, tourism, events, lodging, and we feature Texas Hill Country info The nine-banded armadillo is the only species of this small mammal (the official small mammal of the state, to be exact) that lives in North America. Austin American-Statesman ~ 305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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