Armadillo
Posted on 07/21/2015 2:07:23 PM PDT by Red Badger
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
Leprosy cases in Florida are higher than normal and experts are blaming armadillos. Nine cases have been reported across Florida so far this year.
On average, the state only sees 10 cases for the entire year. Action News spoke to a trapper who said he takes extra precautions because of this danger.
Armadillos are very common all over Florida, and most of them live in the woods. But others could live near your home, and we learned that puts you and your family at risk.
“We catch more armadillos than we do any other species,” said wildlife trapper Kyle Waltz.
Waltz is well aware of the risks that armadillos can carry.
“Especially if they're trying to get out of a cage they can spit on you,” Waltz said.
According to the CDC, armadillos are the only animal to carry leprosy, an age-old bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves. “It is a devastating illness if you do get it,” said Dr. Sunil Joshi, president of the Duval County Medical Society.
Joshi said leprosy can be easily treated if diagnosed. But while considered rare in the U.S., the number of leprosy cases in Florida is growing.
According to the Department of Health, an average of 10 Floridians are diagnosed every year. But this year, already 9 patients have been identified, the latest was diagnosed in Flagler County three weeks ago.
“What's happening in Florida is not necessarily concerning but what's interesting is those cases were all with people who were in direct contact with armadillos,” Joshi said.
Action News’ Amanda Warford personally learned that avoiding armadillos isn't easy. Last month, she found six living under her Southside home.
She called a trapper and these experts say that was the right move to avoid any risk.
“It is still very, very unlikely to cause problems but be aware of armadillos and stay away from them,” Joshi said.
Armadillos are usually nocturnal, but right now is breeding season in Florida, so you may see babies out during the day. Experts say, do not get close to them, because they also can carry the disease.
Armadillo
Armadillos can jump up to 4 feet in the air...........................
There was a face off in the corner.
Possum on the 1/2 shell....Ummm Good
I’ve eaten armadillo. It’s the absolute toughest meat you will ever eat, or try to. Chew and chew and chew..................................and chew.......................
I read about this back in the 80s. When we visited Florida this past March, we mentioned it to our brother in law, who lives near Bradenton. He was not aware of the danger.
I just emailed this article to him. Thanks for posting it.
Shoot and I was so looking forward to armadillo bowling.
By the way according to “Alas Babylon” armadillo tastes like lamb.
Should ah said,Tried to eat armadillo
——We catch more armadillos than we do any other species,” said wildlife trapper Kyle Waltz.-——
I see at least one a week driving out of my development....
Some are alive, some are roadkill...
A lamb stuffed with old tires maybe..................
Pass this article around your circle of friends..................
When we visited Florida this past March, we mentioned it to our brother in law, who lives near Bradenton........I was in Bradenton in April 2014. We were sitting in the side yard and saw one of them critters crawling under the trailer next door. Never saw one before. Hope never again.
"Texas speed bump"
On a recent trip to Branson I started seeing dead armadillos on the road after we got past Kansas City. I wish I had a dollar for every one I saw.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Show the armadillo it could be done.
We visit there often, so I hear you!
They say that's one reason why so many are road kill. If they didn't jump into the air, a number of them would just have a vehicle pass over them.
But when they jump in the air, which is their normal reaction to being surprised, they're guaranteed to have the vehicle hit them.
Did you hear about the businessman who didn’t know his secretary had leprosy until his business dropped off?
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