A group of rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been spotted with wart-like growths on their faces, earning them the nicknames “Frankenstein bunnies.” However, scientists say there’s no reason to be alarmed – the furry creatures are infected with a relatively harmless virus.
The Shope papillomavirus causes the growths, which can resemble horns if they grow longer. The virus is mostly spread through fleas and ticks, which are more active in the summer months. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose, the agency has been getting calls about the infected rabbits, but it’s not uncommon to see them, especially during this time of year.
Rabbits’ immune systems can fight off the virus, causing the growths to disappear once they’re cleared. The virus is not contagious to humans or pets and does not harm the rabbits unless the growths interfere with eating or cause problems with their eyes and mouth.
The discovery has sparked scientific interest, as it has contributed to knowledge about viruses and cancer, including the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. The virus was named after Dr. Richard E Shope, who discovered it in cottontails in the 1930s.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/rabbits-with-horns-virus-colorado-tentacles-papillomavirus-98b1ad95ba3a0f308bf884d79d1eea7c