Read an interesting report on the Yahoo Science page this morning. Scientists have traced the DNA of many recent leprosy cases and have proven that the disease was transmitted from armadillos. A relatively rare condition in today’s world, leprosy is very contagious and difficult to treat.
Armadillos are very common throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, but have been seen in neighboring states, such as Oklahoma, Mississippi and even Tennessee. Officials are warning people to not handle armadillos, even if dead, to avoid the risk of contracting leprosy.