Overview

• An outbreak of the Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus has produced horn- and tentacle-like tumors on wild rabbits in Fort Collins.
• Researchers attribute the infections to summer insect vectors such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirms no human or other species transmission and warns against touching wild hares.
• Pet rabbits can develop more severe disease and may need surgical tumor removal since no cure is available.
• Sensational photos of the affected rabbits have circulated on social media and revived legends of horned ‘jackalope’ creatures.