IMPORT ARMADILLOS.
How did that happen?
Armadillos carry leprosy.
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo
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 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, Mycobacterium leprae. (The leprosy bacterium is difficult to culture and armadillos have a body temperature of 34 °C (93 °F), similar to human skin.) [17] Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat.[18] Armadillos are a presumed vector and natural reservoir for the disease in Texas and Louisiana and Florida.[19][20] Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century, leprosy was unknown in the New World. Given that armadillos are native to the New World, at some point they must have acquired the disease from old-world humans.[18][20]
The armadillo is also a natural reservoir for Chagas disease.[21]
What I learned from our honeymoon. About fire ants, and that there were armadillos in the south too. All the way up through TN.
I always figured that the spread of armadillos must be due to spread of FA.
Bring on the armies, before FA reach MD!