Variola ovină, descoperită de oamenii de știință în pieile de animal din care erau realizate manuscrisele din Evul Mediu

Researchers have discovered ancient DNA of a deadly sheep virus in medieval manuscripts, revealing insights into historical diseases. The study, led by scientists from University College Dublin, analyzed parchment made from animal skin, including the York Gospels and early English texts. This research indicates that infected animals were used to create the parchment, and the sheep pox virus has been a threat for over 3,700 years. Unlike human smallpox, the sheep pox virus has remained genetically stable. Understanding its evolution may aid in future pathogen control.