Aside from the capacity to damage our structure, uproot flower, and destroy our lawns, Columbia armadillos may also carry a number of diseases. Sometimes, they can be carrier of the rabies virus and parasitic worms. Perhaps the most serious condition that you can acquire from armadillo would be leprosy. Aside from the human, the armadillo is only the possible carrier of the bacteria m. leprae. There are multiple cases of leprosy that has been acquired through interaction with an infected armadillo.

Diseases That You May Acquire Through Armadillos

While the link between the Missouri armadillo and the infection on human has not been completely tested, the risks still exist. You should be careful when interacting with the armadillo that carries the symptoms that we will mention in this article.

Rabies

While it may be rare, it is still possible for the Columbia armadillo to carry rabies. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of its host. It eventually paralyzes and kills the host including humans if not given with the right medical attention immediately. The rabies can be found in the saliva of the infected animal. This is why you need to be careful from their bites and scratches. Fortunately, armadillos will not usually bite which lowers the possibility of the disease transmission. In case the armadillo is exhibiting unusual behavior such as signs of aggressiveness in the presence of the human, you need to be careful about it. 

Tapeworms and Salmonella

Contracting tapeworms through direct interaction with the Missouri armadillo is also rare but still possible. Tapeworms are found in the walls of the host’s digestive system. They will lay eggs and the eggs will be contained in the excrement of the armadillo. By accidentally inhaling the spores, human can be infected with tapeworms. They can also cause Salmonella. Symptoms will include vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and fever. Salmonella can also infect the blood of the host that can result to a life-threatening condition.

Leprosy

Different Missouri wildlife agencies have been warning people to stay away from the armadillos. This is due to the sudden increase in the cases of leprosy. In just one year, there are at least 9 incidence of Hansen’s disease that is discovered in the state of Florida. This disease may be caused by the special type of bacteria that are carried by the nine-banded armadillo, based on the news. According to the report, armadillo has played a key role in the transmission of this disease. 

Armadillos are passive Columbia creatures. Most of the disease transmission that occurred is not due to the aggression on the part of the armadillo but on inappropriate human actions. Usually, the disease that the armadillo will carry will not be easily acquired by humans. Transmission may sometimes occur due to the mishandling of the creature. In case there is an armadillo infestation in your yard and you don’t know how to properly deal with them, allow the specialist to handle the armadillos to avoid the possible transmission of the diseases.