Particle.news
Download on the App Store
36 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Officials Confirm Colorado Rabbits’ Horn-Like Growths Are Caused by Rabbit-Only Papillomavirus

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the virus cannot infect humans or non-rabbit pets, advising residents to leave wild cottontails undisturbed to protect domestic bunnies

Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, Eastern Cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus, Rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus, which is a type I virus under the Baltimore scheme, possessing a non segmented dsDNA genome. It infects rabbits, causing keratinous carcinomas, typically on or near the animal’s head. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Image
Image
Rabbits With ’Tentacles’ Growing From Their Heads Spotted in This State

Overview

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife diagnosed the unusual black, horn- or tentacle-like facial growths on Fort Collins cottontail rabbits as Shope (cottontail) papillomavirus.
  • The virus induces keratinized wart-like nodules that can elongate into spike-like protrusions but is harmless to humans and non-rabbit pets.
  • Transmission occurs mainly through biting arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas, with direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact also possible.
  • There is no cure for wild infections and euthanasia is only recommended if growths hinder feeding, though pet rabbits can have tumors surgically removed.
  • Officials advise leaving infected wild rabbits undisturbed and safeguarding domestic bunnies by minimizing their contact with wild rabbits and insect vectors.