Squirrels may have given medieval Britons leprosy

Squirrels Responsible for Spreading Leprosy in Medieval Britain A surprising discovery has been made in the realm of medieval Britain. Researchers have recently found evidence suggesting that squirrels played a significant role in the transmission of leprosy during this time period. This revelation is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first instance in which a medieval animal has been identified as a host for the disease. The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Nottingham and Public Health England, involved the analysis of human remains found in and around the leprosy hospital of St. Mary Magdalen in Winchester. By examining the ancient DNA extracted from the skeletal remains, the researchers were able to determine the presence of leprosy and identify the contributors to its spread. Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, has long been associated with medieval times. However, little was known about its transmission and the specific animals involved in its dissemination. The discovery of squirrel DNA in the leprosy-ridden remains shed light on a previously unrecognized link between the disease and these furry creatures. The squirrels implicated in the spread of leprosy during medieval times were the red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), which are native to the British Isles. Historical records indicate that red squirrels were present in large numbers in medieval forests, making them a plausible conduit for the contagious disease. Although the exact mode of transmission has yet to be determined, it is believed