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Ancient Plague DNA Found in 4,000-Year-Old Sheep Tooth

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

DNA from Yersinia pestis was found in a 4,000-year-old sheep tooth in southern Russia, the first evidence that ancient plague infected animals.
The findings show close contact among people, livestock, and wild animals facilitated Bronze Age transmission.
Sheep may have contracted the bacteria from other animals, underscoring the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases.
The study was led by the Max Planck Institute and calls for further research.

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Story summary

DNA from Yersinia pestis was found in a 4,000-year-old sheep tooth in southern Russia, the first evidence that ancient plague infected animals.
The findings show close contact among people, livestock, and wild animals facilitated Bronze Age transmission.
Sheep may have contracted the bacteria from other animals, underscoring the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases.
The study was led by the Max Planck Institute and calls for further research.