"Human and Armadillo Leprosy"
An interpretive Summary 
CAPT Richard W. Truman, Ph.D.
DHHS/HRSA/BPHC
Division of National Hansen's Disease Programs
Baton Rouge, La.

• 1 in 6 armadillos found in Texas and Louisiana coastal marshes harbor leprosy
• The disease may be completely absent among animals in better drained areas
• Leprosy has evolved among armadillos by natural means and is likely present among armadillos in similar environments in other countries
• Human and armadillo leprosy infections show similar environmental tendencies in their geographical distribution
• Some cases of human disease probably result from zoonotic transmission from armadillos, but the real risk for leprosy infection through contact with armadillos seems to be extremely low. At this time, most people in the U.S. still appear to acquire their disease mainly through contact with infected family members