6 Diseases Commonly Carried by Armadillos

Known for their armor-like shell, armadillos often look harmless. While that might be the case, most of the time, these animals can be carriers of harmful diseases. If encountering an armadillo in the wild, it’s best to leave it alone. So, what six diseases are commonly carried by armadillos?

Despite their non-aggressive nature, many of the diseases are through contact with feces or being in the same vicinity as them. So, keeping your distance and not going near them is essential. Below, we’ll introduce you to the six diseases commonly carried by armadillos and their symptoms.

#1: Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)

So, are armadillos dangerous? Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is a bacteria with the name Mycobacterium leprae. It’s a highly contagious disease and can spread from person to person. Armadillos native to the southern United States can naturally harbor this bacteria. While the risk is low to contract it, it’s still possible to get infected.

Symptoms of Hansen’s disease include discolored patches of skin, lesions, and paralysis. Disfigurement of the hands or feet is also a common symptom. If left untreated, blindness may happen.

Around 15-20% of armadillos in Florida harbor the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. None-banded armadillos (Dasypous novemcinctus) can also harbor the bacteria and live in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia.

#2: Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. The bacteria is highly contagious and contracted by touching anything with Leptospira. In most cases, it can infect through human or animal urine. Urine can affect soil, water, and any object that comes into contact with it. The Leptospira bacteria can live outside the body for up to three months or more. 

Symptoms of leptospirosis include a high fever, muscle tenderness, and shivering. In addition, people may feel thirsty, frequent urination, and vomiting. If not treated, the bacteria can cause jaundice, yellowing skin, and mucous membranes. It can also cause kidney and liver failure, meningitis, and respiratory issues in critical cases.

#3: Salmonella

Armadillos can also carry bacterial salmonella, affecting other animals and humans. The bacterial infection passes to others through an armadillo’s feces. Even a tiny amount of it coming into contact with others can cause transmission of the bacteria. Salmonella can last up to 32 hours on surfaces, making it easy to come into contact with.

Common symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. However, the symptoms will generally worsen and become more apparent after 12 to 72 hours after initial contact. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause severe dehydration and can cause life-threatening complications.

#4: Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection contracted through contact with the bacteria of Histoplasma capsulatum. Armadillos pass this bacteria through their feces, which thrive in soil. While most animals are safe from histoplasmosis infections, dogs and cats are more susceptible. In addition, humans can also get histoplasmosis if they come in contact with infected feces or through breathing the microscopic fungal spores in the air. 

Symptoms of histoplasmosis cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and a headache. These symptoms are often mild and appear at least three to 17 days after exposure to the fungal bacteria. In most cases, symptoms can go away independently after a few weeks. Most people will get better without treatment, but others with weak immune systems without treatment can die from the bacteria.

#5: Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It’s often transmitted through a bite but is a very rare occurrence. Armadillos are not naturally aggressive but can become frightened if mishandled or threatened. Most of the armadillo population does not carry the rabies virus, but some do. 

Symptoms of rabies are similar to histoplasmosis, including flu-like symptoms, fever, aggression, headache, and weakness. There may also be a prickling and itching sensation where the person or animal has been bitten. The symptoms will often last a few days before worsening to cerebral dysfunction, confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Untreated rabies is always fatal and must be treated quickly.

#6: Tapeworms

Tapeworms are parasites that can be found in animal feces. Armadillos can often carry tapeworms in their feces, which can be passed to humans and other animals. To get tapeworms, one must either touch or eat the feces. So, other animals are more likely to be infected by them.

Symptoms of tapeworms include an upset stomach, loose stools, weight loss, and hunger pains. It’s crucial to get treated quickly, as tapeworms can cause significant damage to the body’s organs. They can live inside a host body for up to 30 years and affect the liver, eyes, heart, and brain.

Summary of 6 Diseases Commonly Carried By Armadillos

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