Texas

[reverendsterlin]

not a real active forum but may have some answers for you. http://forums.exotichobbyist.com/forum.php?catid=55

Rev

 

[crpy]

"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.

Rev

This appears inconclusive as a zoonotic disease.

 

[UrbanJungles]

Armadillos make horrible pets, they need to dig alot and also need alot of stimuli (they spend alot of time foraging in the wild). They have sensitive skin and easily get all sorts of necrotic skin diseases.

Many wild mammals make poor choices for pets unless you are committed to providing a large enclosure and plenty of social interaction as well as specialized diets.