New evidence that wild armadillos spread leprosy to humans. An international team led by researchers at Colorado State University has found that human contact with wild armadillos — including eating the meat — has contributed to extremely high infection rates of a pathogen that can cause leprosy in Pará, Brazil.
One way to consider this is an international team led by researchers at Colorado State University has found that human contact with wild armadillos — including eating the meat — has contributed to extremely high infection rates of a pathogen that can cause leprosy in Pará, Brazil.
How common is Armadillo-borne leprosy?
Some studies indicate that in certain areas of the U. S, as many as 20 percent of the armadillo population may be infected with Mycobacterium leprae.
Can eating armadillos cause leprosy?
By Mary Guiden An international team led by researchers at Colorado State University has found that human contact with wild armadillos — including eating the meat — has contributed to extremely high infection rates of a pathogen that can cause leprosy in Pará, Brazil.
Can armadillos spread diseases to humans?
And as for armadillos—the risk of transmission to humans is low. Only the nine-banded armadillo is known to carry the disease. And, most people in the U. Who come down with the chronic bacterial disease get it from other people while traveling outside the country. And it looks like armadillos are the real victims here.
What animals carry leprosy?
Armadillos are one of the only known animals to carry leprosy. How can you prevent or avoid Leprosy? CNN reports that, “Experts are urging Floridians to use caution and not touch the small, cat-sized creatures.
Why are armadillos on the rise in the US?
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services speculates that it’s possibly because of increased contact between people and leprosy infected armadillos . Experts said they believe the spike is because of people coming into contact with armadillos.
Why are armadillos important to science?
Because they were the only animal other than humans in which the bacteria could be isolated, armadillos allowed scientists to study leprosy and possible treatments . Now, there are millions of armadillos in the southern U. S, and people interact with them in a variety of ways.