Several years ago I read that in England colleagues were working in a
cemetery that was full of victims of smallpox.  At that time there was
some question of whether the germ might not still be active.  I haven't
heard any more on the subject.  I would suggest contacting one of the
major disease control centers.  I don't know the names but I know there
is one in Atlanta Ga.  Be well all of you.  Eliot Braun, Israel
Antiquities Authority