Armadillos are distinctive mammals recognized for the bony plates that form a protective shell over their bodies. While these creatures generally avoid human interaction, they can harbor and transmit specific pathogens that cause illness in people. This possibility of disease transfer places them within the category of zoonotic reservoirs, particularly the nine-banded armadillo species found across the southern United States. Understanding the diseases they carry and the necessary precautions is important for public health awareness.
The Primary Disease: Hansen’s Disease
Hansen’s disease is the most frequently cited illness linked directly to armadillos in the United States. The disease is caused by the slow-growing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Armadillos are one of the few non-human mammals that can be naturally infected, likely because their relatively low body temperature creates an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive.
Transmission to humans is rare, requiring close or repeated contact, such as handling or consuming the meat. The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Symptoms often include discolored skin patches and nerve damage that can lead to loss of sensation.
The incubation period is notably long, often spanning three to seven years, and sometimes up to 20 years before symptoms appear. Despite the armadillo link, the disease remains uncommon in the U.S., with only about 150 to 250 new cases reported annually. Approximately 95% of the human population is naturally immune, and the disease is highly treatable with multi-drug therapy if caught early.
Additional Zoonotic Pathogens
Armadillos can carry other microorganisms that pose a risk to human health, often through environmental contamination. One common bacterial concern is Salmonella, which can be present in the animal’s feces. Contact with armadillo droppings can contaminate soil, water, and surfaces, potentially leading to human infection if the bacteria are ingested.
Symptoms of salmonellosis typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure, manifesting as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Armadillos can also be hosts for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent responsible for Chagas disease. They act as a reservoir for the parasite, but the organism is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected “kissing bug” or via contaminated food.
The risk of armadillos carrying the rabies virus is low compared to other wildlife species. Although armadillos can contract rabies, their low body temperature is thought to make it difficult for the virus to persist and be transmitted effectively. An armadillo exhibiting unusual behavior, such as a lack of fear or daytime activity, should be treated with caution.
Preventing Contact and Transmission
Avoiding direct contact with armadillos and their habitats is essential for preventing disease transmission. This is particularly relevant in the Southern and Southeastern United States, where the nine-banded armadillo is prevalent and zoonotic transmission has been documented. Never attempt to capture, handle, or keep an armadillo as a pet, and teach children and pets to keep a safe distance from them.
If you must handle a live or dead armadillo, or work in an area where they have been active, wear sturdy gloves. The primary routes of bacterial and parasitic infection are through contact with bodily fluids, or by disturbing burrows and contact with feces. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after any potential exposure to the animal or its environment.
Consumption of armadillo meat presents a specific risk, as improper cooking can fail to destroy pathogens like M. leprae. For those who hunt or consume armadillo, wearing gloves while cleaning the carcass and ensuring the meat is cooked until it is well-done reduces the potential for infection. Taking simple precautions to discourage armadillos from burrowing near homes, such as sealing foundation gaps and removing brush piles, further minimizes the chance of casual exposure.