Could squirrel fur trade have contributed to England's medieval leprosy outbreak?

[rangerrebew]

Could squirrel fur trade have contributed to England's medieval leprosy outbreak?

Date:
    October 25, 2017
Source:
    St John's College, University of Cambridge
Summary:
    Genetic analysis of a pre-Norman skull unearthed in a garden in Suffolk has added to a growing body of evidence that East Anglia may have been the epicentre of an epidemic of leprosy that spread through medieval England. The authors of the new study suggest that an explanation for the prevalence of leprosy in medieval East Anglia may possibly be found in the sustained Scandinavian trade in squirrel fur -- an animal known to carry the disease.
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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171025103109.htm

[Sanguine]

I had no idea squirrels carried leprosy.  Another reason to keep them out of my bird-feeder!

[Texas Yellow Rose]

I only knew about Armadillos.  This article (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427171459.htm) doesn't mention squirrels.

[catfish1957]

I only knew about Armadillos.  This article (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427171459.htm) doesn't mention squirrels.

I too have only heard that Armadillos are carriers.  I know when I find a dead one, I use a shovel

[RoosGirl]

Looks like just the UK variety of red squirrel?

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/11/surprise-british-red-squirrels-carry-leprosy/507221/