Black Death vaccine being developed over fears plague could reemerge

The Black Death killed as many as 50 million people during the 14th Century (Picture: Getty)

Scientists who developed the AstraZeneca COVID jab are working on a new vaccine to combat the Black Death amid rising fears the plague could re-emerge.

The plague first hit British shores in 1348 after being spread to Europe by fleas on rats aboard ships from Asia.

Scientists estimate that between a third and a half of Britain’s population were killed by the Black Death in the following year.