Mar 2, 2015 · Scientists believe that we actually transmitted leprosy to them about 400 to 500 years ago. Today, up to 20 percent of some armadillo populations are thought to be infected.

Apr 15, 2024 · In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause Hansen's disease, and it may be possible that the animals can spread it to …

Dec 7, 2023 · Armadillo leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with armadillos and can cause skin lesions, nerve …

Jun 29, 2018 · 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 …

Mycobacterium leprae is the primary causative agent of Hansen’s disease or leprosy. Besides human beings, natural infection has been described in animals such as mangabey monkeys …

Apr 27, 2011 · For years, scientists have speculated that armadillos can pass on leprosy to humans, and that they are behind the few dozen cases of the disease that occur in the U.S. …

Oct 17, 2025 · The odds of an armadillo carrying Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy, are geographically dependent and, while not exceptionally high, represent a …

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between leprosy, armadillos and humans, and reveal some recent armadillo-transmitted leprosy cases in the U.S.

Oct 3, 2023 · Some experts say the nine-banded armadillo may be behind a rise in domestically transmitted cases of leprosy.

May 24, 2024 · A single Central Florida county reported 13% of all U.S. leprosy cases in 2020. Researchers have teamed up to investigate whether armadillos are passing the bacteria that …