The Black Death ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1353, killing millions.
One of the most commonly recited facts about plague in Europe was that it was spread by rats. In some parts of the world, the bacterium that causes plague,While plague begins in rodents, it sometimes spills over to humans. Europe may have once hosted animal reservoirs that sparked plague pandemics. But plague could have also been repeatedly reintroduced from Asia. Which of these scenarios was present remains a topic of scientific controversy.
Our study offers two possibilities. One, the plague was being reintroduced from Asian reservoirs. Second, there could have been short- or medium-term temporary reservoirs in Europe. In addition, the two scenarios might have been mutually supportive. However, the rapid spread of the Black Death and subsequent outbreaks of the next few centuries also suggest slow-moving rats may not have played the critical role in transmitting the disease that is often portrayed.To work out whether plague could survive in long-term animal reservoirs in Europe, we examined factors such as soil characteristics, climatic conditions, terrain types and rodent varieties. These all seem to affect whether plague can hold on in reservoirs.
For example, high concentrations of some elements in soil, including copper, iron, magnesium, as well as a high soil pH , cooler temperatures, higher altitudes and lower rainfall appear to favor the development of persistent reservoirs, though it is not entirely clear why, at this stage. Based on our comparative analysis, centuries-long wild rodent plague reservoirs were even less likely to have existed from the Black Death of 1348 to the early 19th century than today, when comprehensive research
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
For Black voters, great expectations of America’s lone Black governorFor many Black voters who helped lift Moore to victory, this moment — as he prepares to take his oath on a Bible that belonged to abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who was born enslaved in Maryland and died free — is one of pride, and great expectations.
Read more »
All The Times Black Presenters Showed Love To Black Winners At Award Shows'These little rare special moments of Black solidarity and excitement really do something for me.'
Read more »
The best Black movies on Netflix right now | Digital TrendsNetflix's Black Stories collection is home to a number of outstanding Blackfilms that illuminate, honor, and explore the Black experience.
Read more »
Black Lives Matter wants LAPD to stop responding to minor traffic incidentsBlack Lives Matter demands LAPD no longer be sent to minor traffic incidents after death of Keenan Anderson.
Read more »
Shooting death of Sinzae Reed, Ohio teen killed by man claiming self-defense, now ruled a homicideThe shooting death of a Black teenager by a white man in Columbus, Ohio, who claimed self-defense was officially ruled a homicide by an autopsy report released Tuesday.
Read more »
Authorities investigate man's death following arrest during traffic stopAuthorities are investigating the recent death of a man following a confrontation with police officers during a traffic stop in Memphis.
Read more »