Colorado's rabbit horns sport a terrifying adhesive-like appearance, yet they are merely afflicted by a regular virus
In the city of Fort Collins, Colorado, approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) north of Denver, residents have been spotting a peculiar sight - rabbits with wart-like growths resembling horns. These growths are caused by the Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a DNA virus that specifically infects rabbits, particularly wild cottontail species.
First identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard Shope, a professor at Rockefeller University, the SPV causes the formation of papillomas, or wart-like tumors, which typically appear on the head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, eyelids, and sometimes legs of affected rabbits. The virus has inspired various unflattering nicknames, including "Frankenstein rabbits", "demon rabbits", and "zombie rabbits".
The growths can grow into bizarre horn-like or tentacle-shaped protrusions, giving infected rabbits a "zombie bunny" appearance. While the growths may look alarming, they are usually harmless to humans and other animals, but can severely affect the rabbits’ health. The tumors can impair vision, interfere with eating, and cause pain, making rabbits more vulnerable to predators.
Rabbits contract SPV primarily through bites from insects such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, and the virus can spread through direct contact between rabbits. Infection is more prevalent during warm months when biting insects are most active.
The infection is often seasonal and, in many cases, benign. About 35% of infected rabbits can naturally fight off and recover from the virus within six months. Most wild rabbits are not treated due to difficulty in capturing them and the self-limiting nature of the infection. In domestic rabbits, veterinary care may be needed, and severe cases might require surgical removal of tumors to prevent complications.
The Shope papillomavirus has been around for centuries and has driven scientific research for nearly a hundred years. It has contributed to scientists' understanding of the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papilloma virus that causes cervical cancer.
Kara Van Hoose, spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, confirmed that the agency has been receiving calls about the rabbits seen in Fort Collins. She provided information about the SPV and its effects on rabbits. The virus does not spread to other species, including humans and pets.
The SPV is believed to have inspired the legend of the jackalope, a creature with horns or antlers, which has been around in North America for centuries. While the sight of these infected rabbits may be unsettling, it is a testament to the ongoing cycle of life in the wild and the role of viruses in the ecosystem.
Preventive measures for pet rabbits include insect control, regular health checks, and avoiding contact with wild populations. As for the rabbits in Fort Collins, the public is advised to keep a safe distance and avoid feeding them to prevent further spread of the virus.
- The Shope papillomavirus, a DNA virus, is not only a topic of interest in medical-conditions, particularly within health-and-wellness of rabbits, but also in environmental-science due to its impact on wild rabbit populations and its role within the ecosystem.
- In the realm of science, the Shope papillomavirus has contributed significantly to our understanding of the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papilloma virus that triggers cervical cancer, highlighting the interconnectedness of various health-and-wellness areas, including human and veterinary medicine.
