engleski

Interacting with animals: osteoarchaeological evidence of zoonotic infections in early medieval Irish populations

Ever since the first animal species were domesticated humans and animals have shared a unique relationship that has lasted for millennia. Humans use animals as pets, as a source of food or as a workforce while in exchange animals are given food and protection against larger predators. But, this relationship does not always have a positive effect. Many diseases and parasitic infections may be transmitted from animals to humans and some of these may leave permanent record on human skeletal remains. Rural communities depending heavily on domesticated animals such as cattle and sheep were especially prone to such diseases. This paper discusses cases of zoonotic infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis and tapeworm observed in human skeletal remains from four rural early medieval Irish communities (Augherskea, Collierstown 1, Gracedieu, and Omey Island) and compares them with similar cases from the wider European context.

Early medieval period; Ireland; zoonotic infections

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