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rojo's avatar

Will proper cooking kill the leprosy bacteria in armadillos?

Asked by rojo (24179points) May 23rd, 2017

Evidently only humans and armadillos carry the leprosy bacillus. It is believed that humans passed it on to armadillos four or five hundred years ago, not the other way around.

But can proper food handling and preparation eliminate the danger of contracting leprosy? Are some methods better than other (say grilled as opposed to broiled or baked or a pot roast)? Are their parts that you should not eat no matter what?

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5 Answers

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Eating Armadillo is safe (it is cooked), it is the prep and food handler that could get Hansen’s Disease. Also Red Squirrels in England carry the leprosy bacteria.

Tropical_Willie (31434points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
Darth_Algar's avatar

Most humans have a natural immunity to it anyway, so you’re probably fine.

Darth_Algar (18933points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
gondwanalon's avatar

Before I’d eat armadillo meat I’d pressure cook it at 15 psi and 237ºF for at least 30 minutes.

gondwanalon (23199points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Zaku's avatar

What were people doing to armadillos to give them leprosy?

Zaku (30571points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
Patty_Melt's avatar

That was five hundted years ago. People switched to chickens and sheep since then, and they are okay.

Patty_Melt (17519points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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