And at least 8 of the 25 patients carrying the strain reported contact with armadillos.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

But until now, experts haven't been able to confirm that armadillos could pass the disease to humans.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

Up to 30 percent of residents in the rural area he serves have been in contact with armadillos, Abide estimates.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

Darwin thought that some were "rhinos" (Old World mammals), yet Owen showed that they were indigenous giant armadillos, sloths and anteaters.

BBC: Darwin's twin track: 'Evolution and emancipation'

Is this album good middle of the road, meaning something for everyone, or bad middle of the road, meaning dead armadillos?

NPR: Coldplay, Katy Perry and More New Releases

After identifying specific strains of the bacteria, they compared them with a larger group of infected people and armadillos from around the world.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

Of the 50 patients and 33 wild armadillos the researchers analyzed from the U.S., 25 patients and 28 armadillos shared a genetically identical strain of leprosy bacteria.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

As land repeatedly surfaced and receded, the remains of marine creatures got mixed up with those of terrestrials, forming one big Ice Age graveyard: sea cows, prehistoric sharks, spike-tailed armadillos the size of refrigerators.

NEWYORKER: Bones of Contention

There have been several anecdotal reports of leprosy in humans who have handled, killed or eaten armadillos, or who may have been indirectly exposed by gardening in soil where the animals burrow, as was the case for Abide's patient.

CNN: Armadillos linked to leprosy in humans

No one is surprised when he becomes close to the ill-tempered wealthy widow Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), and no one is much surprised, or bothered, when Bernie, exhausted by her demands on him (everything, we assume, but sex), shoots her four times in the back with a .22 rifle normally used for killing armadillos.

NEWYORKER: Bernie