Having already commented somewhat on leprosy previously [1] [2], I was struck by a recent news article about that most humble of roadkill animals, the armadillo [3].  It had previously been thought that leprosy (as it is defined in modern times) can only be transmitted from human to human, but since then it has been found that physical contact (especially skinning and eating) leprous armadillos is the predominant way leprosy is spread in the United States.

Leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease, is thought to have originated in the Middle East (where it was known from biblical times, and discussed at length in the Bible), spreading into Europe and then North America.  Despite the fact that modern medicine has allowed leprosy to be treated successfully, leper colonies in areas of the world like India and China, where the disease is much more common, still attracts a high amount of social stigma.  However, armadillos have been found to be especially vulnerable to the disease.  There are parts of the American South where over 20% of the humble (and somewhat adorable) roadkill species are infected with the disease, which tends to kill armadillos via kidney and liver damage.

The fact that armadillos are the subject of yearly festivals where the animals model, race, and are hunted down for food by those who disobey biblical food laws while simultaneously transferring leprosy to humans ought to mean that the animal becomes a bit of a leper itself now.  While there is much to admire about the armadillo (aside from its inability to cross the road safely), we ought best to admire the armadillo from afar, as it calls out “leper, leper” while attempting to cross the road.  We might just want to let it cross safely, for our own sake.

[1] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/leviticus-14-33-53-on-mold-addendums-and-leprous-hous/

[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/divine-providence-in-the-story-of-naaman-the-syrian/

[3] http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-leprosy-armadillos-20110428,0,7639041.story