Armadillos are mammals recognized by their distinctive, bony shells and their tendency to burrow extensively. Found primarily in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, armadillos can carry certain pathogens that may pose a risk to human health. Understanding these potential risks is important, especially given their increasing range.
Understanding Leprosy Transmission
The disease most notably associated with armadillos is Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. This chronic infection is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Armadillos, particularly the nine-banded species, are among the few animals, besides humans, that can naturally harbor this bacterium. Their lower internal body temperature provides an optimal environment for M. leprae growth.
Transmission of M. leprae from armadillos to humans is not highly efficient and typically requires direct, prolonged contact. This can occur through handling live or dead armadillos, skinning, butchering, or consuming their meat. While human-to-human transmission through respiratory droplets from untreated individuals remains the more common route globally, the armadillo link is significant in specific regions.
Cases linked to armadillos are primarily observed in the southern United States, including states like Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Though the risk of transmission from an infected armadillo is low, armadillos in some areas of Florida harbor the bacterium.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention
Hansen’s disease primarily affects the skin, nerves, and respiratory tract. Common symptoms include discolored patches of skin that may be numb, skin lesions, and growths. As the disease progresses, it can lead to nerve damage, resulting in muscle weakness, partial paralysis, and decreased pain sensation, particularly in the hands and feet. Eye issues, such as loss of eyebrows or eyelashes and, in severe cases, blindness, may also develop.
The disease has a slow progression, with symptoms often taking 3 to 5 years to appear after exposure, and sometimes even longer, up to 20 years. Early diagnosis is important because Hansen’s disease is treatable with multidrug therapy (MDT). This treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics administered for 6 to 12 months. Early treatment prevents long-term disabilities and ensures individuals quickly become non-infectious.
If there has been potential contact with an armadillo and any of these symptoms develop, seeking medical attention is advisable. Armadillos can also carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, often through contaminated feces or undercooked meat.
Preventing Contact and Exposure
Minimizing direct contact with armadillos is an effective way to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Avoiding interaction with these animals, whether they are alive or appear to be dead, is a straightforward preventive measure. It is also advisable to keep pets away from armadillos and their burrows to prevent potential exposure.
If contact with an armadillo or areas where they have been active is unavoidable, such as during gardening or property maintenance, wearing sturdy gloves is a sensible precaution. Following any potential contact, thoroughly washing hands with soap and water is important for hygiene, as this helps remove any potential pathogens.
Consuming armadillo meat carries a risk of disease transmission, including leprosy and Salmonella. If meat is consumed, it must be cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Armadillos’ extensive burrowing habits can damage yards and foundations, potentially leading to increased human-animal interaction. In such cases, engaging professional wildlife removal services can help manage their presence safely without direct contact.