Overview

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed approximately a dozen sightings of cottontail rabbits with unusual growths in and around Fort Collins since early August.
• Laboratory testing identified the wart-like, keratinized protrusions as Shope papillomavirus, a seasonal pathogen first documented in the 1930s.
• The virus spreads between rabbits through mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and direct contact and typically peaks in warm months.
• Officials stress that the virus does not infect humans, cats or dogs but can cause more severe disease in domestic rabbits, which require veterinary attention if affected.
• Social-media reports of similarly afflicted rabbits in Minnesota and Nebraska remain unverified pending confirmation by wildlife authorities.