Aristotle University Reports Findings in Animal Diseases and Conditions (Animal disease evidenced in the bone assemblage of a Late Neolithic settlement in Greece: Implications for animal management).

New research conducted by Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece, examines the presence of animal diseases and conditions in a Late Neolithic settlement called Dispilio. The study focuses on the interpretation of pathologies found in faunal remains to evaluate husbandry practices. The researchers found that out of the 13,026 bones and bone fragments recovered, 77 displayed pathological conditions, including oral disease, joint disease, trauma, and congenital conditions. These findings suggest specific husbandry practices used at the site, such as overgrazing pastures and fattening of females and castrates. The study provides valuable insight into early human-animal interactions in Greece, but further investigation in other settlements is needed to expand the database on Neolithic husbandry practices in the region. [Extracted from the article]