Conduct online research and write a paragraph on how the zoonotic disease called bubonic plague was responsible for the Black Death in Europe. Be sure to include answers to the following questions:

Question

Conduct online research and write a paragraph on how the zoonotic disease called bubonic plague was responsible for the Black Death in Europe. Be sure to include answers to the following questions:

-Which animal species carried the plague bacteria?
-Which vector transmitted the plague to humans?
-Did specific environmental factors bring humans into contact with the plague’s animal carriers and vectors?
-What measures were eventually developed to help control the spread of the plague?
-How significant was the impact of the Black Death?

Answer 1

The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, was caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It was mainly carried by rodents such as rats, which were highly prevalent in the unsanitary living conditions of medieval Europe. The fleas that lived on the rats were the vector that transmitted the disease to humans. The disease spread rapidly due to the influx of trade and travel throughout Europe, and the lack of proper sanitation. Additionally, a colder climate caused crop failures and famine, leading people to become weakened and more susceptible to the disease. Measures such as quarantine of infected individuals and areas, use of personal protective equipment, and burning of contaminated materials were developed to help control the spread of the disease. However, the Black Death still had a significant impact on Europe, leading to the deaths of an estimated 75-200 million people, causing long-lasting social, economic, and cultural consequences.