Medieval Red Squirrels: Unexpected Carriers of Leprosy in Humans

Recent studies reveal red squirrels in medieval England were significant hosts for leprosy, highlighting complex interspecies disease transmission.

Genetic analysis of ancient DNA from Winchester, England, shows red squirrels carried leprosy-causing bacteria closely related to human strains.
Research suggests intimate human-squirrel interactions, including pet keeping and fur trade, facilitated the disease's spread.
Medieval squirrel strains are more closely related to human strains than modern squirrel strains, indicating historical disease transmission.
The findings challenge the long-held belief that leprosy was exclusively a human affliction and underscore the role of animals in its spread.
Studies emphasize the importance of considering animal hosts in understanding and managing ancient and modern diseases.