[Inyo-Mono]

Yes, that is essentially what the book Return of the Black Death talks about. That the Black Death was something other than bubonic plague which is normally spread by rodents. We have a case or two around here every couple of years or so.

[SoCal Pubbie]

If I recall correctly, the article I read indicated that anthrax and an Ebola like virus were thought to be possibilities. I think they excavated an old human burial ground in London of the time and they found anthrax. Again if I remember right cattle was kept in that area back at the time of the Black Death.