According a research letter published by Nathoo and his colleagues in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, Central Florida has reported among the highest rates of leprosy in the United States.
In 2020, 159 cases were reported nationwide, compared with 200,000 new cases each year around the world, according to the World Health Organization. The new letter says Central Florida accounted for 81% of cases in Florida and nearly 1 out of 5 leprosy cases nationwide.
I think I read somewhere that it’s getting warmer in northern areas which supports their preferred habitats, hence the spread.
Interesting armadillo fact - their threat response is to either ball up or jump up in the air about 3-5 ft. Which is unfortunately how they respond to oncoming vehicles.
America has nine banded armadillos, the ones that curl into balls are three banded.