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What are you doing in my state?

These armadillos are invasive species, and they have the potential to cause problems for both people and our local environment. To learn more scroll down.

Run, Lepers!!!

A leper (and I am not misspelling the name of a big cat) is what back then people were called who had leprosy. This skin disease is carried by several animals (including armadillos) and is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Leprae and can infect humans(6). We have known about this disease for centuries, and it was deadly in many ancient places(6). People who eat armadillo meat (as a substitute for pork) can get it(6). Leprosy can be transmitted from person to person by being near someone who is  coughing or sneezing(6). However, 95% of people in the USA are immune to this disease(6). If you are not, leprosy takes a long time to get from eating armadillos(6). While leprosy is not a major concern, the next disease is a little more concerning.

Chaga, Chagas Choo Choo

This next disease is called the Chagas disease, and armadillos can give humans this disease to. A bug called the triatomine bug (also called the kissing bug) carries a bacteria called Trypanosoma Cruzi, but do not let the name fool you because if you have it it is not a cruise(7). It is in the feces of the kissing bug and when armadillos eat this bug, they get this bacteria and if people eat an armadillo it can give people chagas disease(7). It is most commonly found in Mexico, Central America, and South America (and sometimes in the southwestern part of the United States)(7). This disease can infect anyone and causes heart and digestive problems(7).

Ow, my leg! And my house!

Diseases aren't the only negative thing that armadillos can do to us, they can also do damage to our land and animals. Since the armadillos burrow can be long and deep their burrows could make a livestock animal hurt their foot or leg badly if they step in it(8). Their burrows could also cause problems with buildings and roads. These problems are a nuisance and potential economic loss(9).

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