Researchers Traced Sheeppox Virus History
Scientists identified ancient viral DNA within medieval manuscripts and Bronze Age teeth to map the pathogen's evolution.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Researchers have traced the history of the sheeppox virus by analyzing genetic material extracted from medieval manuscripts and Bronze Age teeth. This study confirmed the virus has infected Eurasian sheep herds for at least 3,500 years.
Why it matters
Understanding the long-term evolution of the sheeppox virus provides critical insights into how pathogens have adapted and impacted societies over millennia. This discovery offers a new framework for researchers to combat the disease in the future.
The study involved 30 research institutions and utilized DNA extracted from parchment made of calfskin and goatskin. Researchers identified viral lineages that diverged as far back as 11,500 years ago, indicating the pathogen's extreme stability.
The players
Corpus Christi College Cambridge
This institution provided historical manuscripts, including the Corpus Glossary, for the genomic analysis of the sheeppox virus.
University College Dublin
This academic institution led the international research team that examined the evolution of livestock diseases.
The details
By analyzing manuscripts like the York Gospels and the Corpus Glossary from Corpus Christi College Cambridge, the team successfully detected viral DNA. This data was combined with genetic material from Bronze Age sheep teeth to map the virus's history across the Eurasian steppe.
Timeline
Lineages diverged between 11,500 and 3,700 years ago.
The sheeppox pathogen has persisted for at least 3,700 years.
Medieval manuscripts containing viral DNA were examined.
The study was published in Science Advances in October 2026.
The Big Picture
This study follows a pattern set by the Science Advances genomic paleopathology research program by utilizing historical artifacts to decode ancient pathogen evolution. The findings demonstrate how parchment serves as a stable archive for biological data, shifting the trajectory of historical disease research.
This breakthrough provides researchers with a more comprehensive timeline of viral evolution, which could lead to improved vaccines or diagnostic tools. Understanding how these pathogens remain stable over millennia may influence future strategies for managing livestock health and preventing outbreaks.
The takeaway
The discovery illustrates that biological records are hidden in plain sight within ancient historical documents. Researchers can now apply these techniques to other pathogens to better understand and mitigate their impact on global agriculture.
Further reading
Explore more breakthroughs in Life Sciences to see how ancient genetics inform modern biology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jerusalem Post.
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