Medieval Manuscripts Reveal 3,700-Year History of Sheeppox Virus
Researchers at University College Dublin identified ancient sheeppox virus DNA in the York Gospels and other medieval manuscripts, revealing that the pathogen has infected livestock for over 3,700 years. Published in Science Advances, the study shows that parchment made from infected animal skins preserved viral genetic material, offering insights into the virus's evolution and its ongoing threat to global agriculture.