Avoid Armadillos! – Plentiful In The Abilene Area, They May Cause Leprosy

Armadillos are plentiful in Texas and other southern states. In fact, you see them alive, and as roadkill frequently here in the Abilene area.

They're considered cute, amusing, and pretty harmless except for their digging up of landscapes. But a new study will give all of us cause for a bit of worry. Researchers have found a definite link to leprosy in humans tied directly to armadillos.

The study was conducted in Louisiana, where researchers tested numerous armadillos for leprosy. They are one of only a few animal species that can carry the disease. The researchers tested lesions on a few human cases and compared the leprosy strains with those found in the armadillos. Results showed a strong genetic similarity.

They believe that it takes frequent handling of the critters, or even comsumption of the meat to cause a high risk of contracting the disease. Currently we see only around 150 cases of leprosy every year here in the United States.

The other good news is that leprosy is completely curable if caught early. Heck, I caught and played with armadillos many times during my childhood here in the Abilene area. I was raised in Hawley, so those little guys were in the front yard a lot of the time. We've even had armadillo races in the area over the years.

I think I would steer clear of them after seeing all of this information. More on the story at NYtimes.com .