I heard that they do. Does this mean they are not safe to eat?
2006-10-29 11:56:13 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
I am a physician and a biologist. Yes, Armadillos do carry leprosy and it is theoretically possible for the disease to be spread to humans. Whether or not it would be safe to consume the flesh is a big 'MAYBE' as no research has been done in that area. However leprosy is a very slow (but terrible) disease and many health workers have been around lepers for long periods of time without contracting the illness. Many animals are natural reservoirs of various diseases (they themselves do not have the illness) and I would think that leprosy would be found in the flesh of the animal and likely the intestinal tract. People have been eating armadillos for many years and there is no increase in the number of leprosy cases. I won't say yes or no. That is for you to decide.
2006-10-29 12:13:13 · answer #1 · answered by Frank 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is true, some armadillos carry leprosy. Whether or not this is spread by consumption is unknown..
Excerpt from Wikipedia... Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they, along with mangabey monkeys, rabbits and mice (on their footpads), are among the few known non-human animal species that can contract the disease systemically. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium. Wild armadillos can carry leprosy, but transmission to humans is rare.
2006-10-29 19:09:17 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Armadillos is one of the most favorite delicasy in China, along with other carriers such as rabbits, horses, mangabey, chimpanzees and mice. If rabbit like Armadillo carries Mycobacterium leprae bacterium and alot of people eat Rabbit stew then you could safely eat Armadillos it too. It's your choice...
2006-10-29 13:33:43 · answer #3 · answered by Rochelle5969 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do Armadillos Carry Leprosy Wiki
2017-02-28 19:32:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's what I've heard. And I wouldn't reccommend eating them.
2006-10-29 12:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by Strix 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've heard the same thing.I don't know if it's true,but why risk it?
2006-10-29 12:05:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋