Did you know that seven- and nine-banded armadillos are one of the only animals that can develop leprosy? That’s why we have one on the children’s page!  Armadillos can develop other human diseases too, possibly because they have a low body temperature (30-36 degrees C).  Little is known about how armadillos fight off disease.

Nine-banded armadillos live for 12-15 years, but do not breed readily in captivity.  Since 1975 increasing numbers of wild armadillos have been found with leprosy in Texas and Louisiana.  The smaller seven-banded armadillo adapts better to captivity, breeds more readily and is easier to handle.
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