Posted by Chris L. on March 19, 2002 at 00:58:16:
In Reply to: armadillos can cause ...... posted by Kevin on March 18, 2002 at 17:39:12:
: I read that armidillos can cause leprosy is this true and if it is can this be a human threat ?
Well, Armadillos have a low body temperature i forget the exact degree, but it is ideal for the leprosy disease. This does make them more succeptable to the disease, but in a captive bred armadillo, living in captivity it is very highly unlikely. Besides it would be nearly impossible for you or another human to "catch" it from your pet armadillo, unless of course you ate your armadillo raw!
If leprosy has scared you away from armadillos don't fear, the odds of your armadillo getting leprosy and then passing it on to you are probably about the same as winning the powerball lotto twice in a row!
Armadillos, due to their low body temperature have helped scientists studying leprosy alot!
Chris
