Although most cases of #leprosy in heavily endemic areas probably result from respiratory droplets and prolonged person-to-person contactopens in a new tab or window, the disease's #zoonotic transmission remains poorly understood. In some cultures, people hunt and eat #armadillos, which suggests another route of exposure. We also don't know if M. #leprae in the Americas might have an environmental reservoir in soil or animal droppings...
https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/parasites-and-plagues/105971?s=09

This week on the #CritterCam. Along with the usual contingent of raccoons, cats, dogs, squirrels, and groundhogs.
#Wildlife #Animals #Armadillos

Thirsty Armadillo in Texas by wildographer Hector Astorga
#photography #armadillos

Leprosy has potential to regenerate livers, study finds | The Independent

Parasites associated with the disease can reprogramme cells to increase the size of a liver in armadillos, researchers found.
#Leprosy
#Armadillos
#Parasites
#Liver
#LiverRegeneration

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/scientists-experts-edinburgh-university-of-birmingham-university-of-reading-b2225816.html

We found the #Armadillos and they're speedy little ones but incredible animals. #ZooTrip