Latest news with #RichardShope
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Horn disease in rabbits: Is it a threat to humans?
If you've been scrolling through local news or social media lately, you might have stumbled across pictures of wild rabbits sporting… well… what look like horns, antlers, or even creepy tentacles sprouting from their heads. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They've been called Frankenstein bunnies, zombie rabbits, and all sorts of other spooky nicknames. It's not the plot of a horror movie—it's something called Shope papillomavirus (SPV), or 'horn disease' in rabbits. And naturally, people are wondering: Is this something humans need to worry about? Horn disease isn't an actual set of antlers growing from a bunny's skull. What you're seeing are hard, keratinized warts caused by a virus called Shope papillomavirus, first discovered in the 1930s by Dr. Richard Shope. The virus triggers abnormal skin growths, which can get pretty big and look like black or brown horns or tentacles. While it looks alarming, these growths are usually harmless to the rabbit unless they get in the way of eating or moving. How do rabbits catch it? The virus spreads mainly through insect bites—think mosquitoes, ticks, and possibly fleas. That's why you tend to see more cases in warmer months when bugs are out in full force. Wild cottontail rabbits are the most common hosts, but domestic rabbits can get it too if they're bitten by infected insects. Can humans catch horn disease? Short answer? No. Shope papillomavirus is species-specific—meaning it only infects rabbits. It's not contagious to humans, dogs, cats, or other animals. So, no, you're not going to wake up with antlers if you pet a bunny. That said, there's still a small but important safety note: You should avoid handling sick or wild rabbits without protection. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Not because of horn disease itself, but because wild animals can carry other illnesses (like tularemia or parasites) that can affect humans. Think of it like seeing a raccoon in your backyard—it's probably fine from a distance, but not something you should pick up for a cuddle. Is it dangerous for rabbits? For the rabbit, it can be a mixed bag. Mild cases: The growths are small, don't cause pain, and eventually fall off as the rabbit's immune system kicks in. Severe cases: Large growths can block the mouth or eyes, making it hard to eat, drink, or see, leading to starvation or other health problems. In domestic rabbits, a vet might surgically remove obstructive growths and provide supportive care. Wild rabbits usually have to tough it out on their own. Did you know this virus is the unsung hero of cancer research ? You're right, an unusual rabbit virus actually played a crucial role in cancer research history! The cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), which causes horn-like growths on rabbits, was one of the earliest animal models to show that viruses could trigger . These studies were foundational: they helped scientists realize that viral infections might also cause cancers in humans, changing how we think about tumors and oncology research. Research on rabbit papillomavirus directly influenced later discoveries about human papillomavirus (HPV). Once scientists understood the viral-cancer link in animals, they began searching for similar connections in people. This quest eventually led to breakthroughs showing that HPV can cause cervical and other cancers in humans, which paved the way for creating life-saving HPV vaccines. So, while "horn disease" looks wild, it helped spark some of the most important advances in modern cancer science—a true example of how animal research can save human lives.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Are ‘zombie rabbits' with black horns invading the US?
Wild rabbits in South Dakota and Colorado have developed horn-like growths and mouth tentacles. These bunnies, now being called 'Frankenstein's rabbits' online, are infected with a virus called Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a relative of human papillomavirus (HPV). Are they a threat to humans and other animals? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Image courtesy: X Wild rabbits in the US states of South Dakota and Colorado have been turning heads, and not in a cute, cuddly way. Some have been spotted with strange horn or tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads, leaving residents unsettled and social media buzzing. Photos of these so-called 'zombie bunnies' have gone viral on social media, with many expressing shock and making theories. 'It's like a Resident Evil version of a rabbit, but in real life,' one person remarked. Another wrote, 'This is how the zombie virus starts.' Over on YouTube, a shocked commenter posted, 'We've got freaking zombie rabbits now?!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the sight might seem like a scene from a horror movie, experts say there's a real virus behind these eerie growths, and it's spreading fast among the local rabbit population. The unsettling question for many is whether this disease could affect humans or even pets. Here's what's actually going on. What is the SPV virus? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Cottontail Rabbit. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons The virus was first identified in the 1930s by researcher Richard Shope, who noticed wild cottontail rabbits developing odd growths on their heads and faces. These protrusions, often described as 'horns' or 'tentacles,' are actually tumours. SPV is a DNA virus related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts or, in some cases, certain cancers in humans. In recent weeks, people in Fort Collins have been calling wildlife officials after spotting rabbits with these unusual growths. But such cases aren't rare, says Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the wildlife agency, telling Sky News that they've been around for a while. The SPV virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. Image courtesy: Iowa Department of Natural Resources According to the University of Missouri, the disease is most common in the US Midwest and tends to be more visible during summer. This is when fleas and mosquitoes, the main carriers of the virus, are at their peak. Once inside, the virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Can the SPV virus infect humans and pets? Despite their unsettling appearance, experts say these infected rabbits don't pose a threat to people or their pets. Colorado Parks & Wildlife explains that the Shope virus is not contagious to humans, dogs, or cats. The virus is species-specific, meaning it only affects rabbits and cannot jump to humans, dogs, cats, or most other animals. That said, domestic rabbits tend to get hit harder than wild ones. In pet bunnies, the growths can sometimes turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a dangerous skin cancer. 🧟 A new nightmare unlocked! 🧟♂️ I just read about this freaky animal fact and thought I'd share, so I'm not the only one having nightmares about rabbit zombies! 🤭 🐇 Rabbits with what look like creepy tentacles sprouting from their heads and mouths. Disturbing, a little sad,… — Ash 🇦🇺 (@TheInspectorAsh) August 12, 2025 That said, wildlife and public health officials still advise against touching or handling visibly sick or infected wild animals. While the Shope virus itself isn't dangerous to people or pets, it's always safest to keep your distance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What about the infected bunnies? The Shope papillomavirus doesn't usually kill rabbits outright, but it can still put their lives at risk in other ways. Big growths near the eyes can block vision, making it harder to spot predators. Tumours around the mouth or nose can make eating and breathing difficult, leading to starvation or breathing problems. Infected rabbits also tend to slow down, making them easy targets for predators. Some rabbits manage to fight off the infection, with the growths shrinking or disappearing over time. Others aren't so lucky, suffering from worsening tumours that never heal. In domestic rabbits, vets can surgically remove the growths before they turn cancerous, but there's no known cure for the virus. With input from agencies
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Is The Virus Causing ‘Zombie Rabbits' A Threat To Humans?
Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, have been startled by an unusual sight: rabbits with black, tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads and faces. These disturbing protrusions have earned the infected animals the nickname "zombie rabbits," and has some wondering if they represent a risk to humans. What is Causing the Bizarre Growths? Fortunately, a zombie apocalypse has not fallen on the rabbit population in Colorado. Instead, the rabbits are infected with Shope papillomavirus, which is also known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CPRV). This virus was first discovered in the 1930s by researcher Richard Shope, who observed growths - often described as horns or tentacles - on wild rabbits. The virus is now known to be a DNA virus that is genetically related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause benign warts or certain types of cancer in humans. Shope virus is spread primarily through the bite of an arthropod, such as ticks and mosquitoes, and can lead to the development of wart-like tumors on an infected animal's head, face and around the mouth. Are These Rabbits a Threat to Humans? Despite their alarming appearance, these infected rabbits pose no threat to humans or their pets. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has indicated that Shope virus is not contagious to humans, dogs and cats. The virus is species-specific, meaning it can infect rabbits but it cannot crossover to infect humans, dogs, cats or most other animals. Wildlife and public health officials generally recommend not touching or handling visibly infected or sick wild animals; however, Shope virus itself represents no direct health risks to people or their pets. What Happens to the Infected Rabbits? Other than disqualifying the rabbits from a beauty contest, the growths that result from the infection are generally not fatal. If the growths become large enough, they can interfere with the rabbits' vision or their ability to eat and drink. Most of the tumors are benign, but in some cases, they can progress to malignant carcinomas (i.e., cancer). Most infected rabbits will survive their condition, but quality of life may be impacted depending on the size and location of the growths. Shope Virus' Connection to Humans and Cancer Research Although Shope papillomavirus is not able to cause disease in humans, its discovery has contributed to medical research and our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its relationship to cancer, specifically cervical cancer. Most humans are infected with an HPV virus at some point in their life, which can lead to the development of benign genital or skin warts, or in some cases, cancer of the cervix, head or neck. Human papillomaviruses integrate into the host cell's DNA and disrupt normal cell death pathways, which can result in overgrowth of cells and subsequent warts or tumors. The similarities between Shope virus and HPV are quite striking. Both are DNA viruses that can cause benign warts that may progress to malignant tumors. In 1984, the genome of Shope virus was sequenced, which revealed significant homology with HPV type 1a. Because of these similarities, Shope virus and the cottontail rabbit provided the first animal model to study viral-induced cancers, as well as their treatment and prevention. The identification of Shope virus laid the foundation for the subsequent discovery of HPV, and has contributed to research that ultimately led to development of vaccines against HPV. So if you happen to see a 'Zombie Rabbit' in the wild, remember there's no reason for concern. Instead, you can reflect on the lasting impact these animals and the virus causing their condition have had on medical research and human health.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
This virus is turning rabbits into ‘zombie bunnies' with horn-like growths — can it spread to dogs or cats?
A bizarre, naturally occurring virus is giving wild rabbits a truly unsettling makeover — transforming their faces with horn-like or tentacle-shaped growths that have earned them the nickname 'zombie bunnies. ' Known as Shope papillomavirus (SPV) or cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), this infection primarily affects wild cottontail rabbits in the United States. While the strange protrusions are usually harmless to humans and other animals, they can cause severe problems for rabbits, from impaired vision to difficulty eating, sometimes making them easy targets for predators. The virus has fascinated scientists for decades, and sightings continue in parts of the Midwest every year. What is the Shope papillomavirus in rabbits? Shope papillomavirus is a DNA virus that specifically targets rabbits, especially wild cottontail species. First identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard Shope, it has been the subject of scientific study for nearly a century. The virus causes wart-like tumors, called papillomas, to form on the head, face, and ears. These growths can resemble horns, spikes, or fleshy tentacles, creating the eerie 'zombie bunny' look. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning Weight Loss Updates Undo While most growths are benign, they can sometimes become cancerous. Domestic rabbits, while less likely to contract SPV, can still be infected if exposed to wild carriers or infected biting insects. How the virus spreads among rabbits SPV is spread mainly through direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact or by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. These insects tend to target the head and ear areas where fur is thinner, making it easier for the virus to enter through small wounds. Once inside, the virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of tumours. The risk of spread is highest in warmer months when insect populations surge. In areas where rabbits congregate in high numbers, such as breeding grounds or food-rich fields, transmission can be swift and affect a significant portion of the population. Impact of the virus on rabbit health Although the Shope papillomavirus rarely kills rabbits directly, its effects can be life-threatening in indirect ways. Large growths around the eyes can obstruct vision, making it harder to spot predators. Tumors near the mouth or nose can interfere with eating or breathing, potentially leading to starvation or respiratory distress. Infected rabbits often become slower and weaker, increasing their vulnerability to predators. While some rabbits develop an immune response that causes the growths to shrink or disappear over time, others may suffer from persistent or worsening tumors. Can it infect dogs, cats, or humans? The Shope papillomavirus is strictly species-specific — it only infects rabbits. This means there is no danger to humans, dogs, cats, or other common pets. However, domestic rabbits can be at risk if they are bitten by infected insects or come into direct contact with infected wild rabbits. Pet owners are advised to keep rabbits indoors during peak insect activity and to use protective enclosures outdoors. While SPV cannot 'jump' to other animals, it can still have serious implications for pet rabbits if precautions are not taken. Where are infected rabbits most commonly found? The virus is most often seen in wild rabbit populations in parts of the United States, especially in the Midwest, including South Dakota and Colorado. These regions frequently report sightings of rabbits with horn-like growths during late spring and summer. Because some infected rabbits show no visible symptoms, tracking the true spread of the virus can be difficult. Wildlife experts note that SPV has likely existed for centuries in North America, only becoming widely known after photographs of 'horned rabbits' began circulating in popular media. What to do if you see an infected rabbit If you encounter a wild rabbit with horn-like growths, it is best to observe from a distance. Handling or attempting to treat the animal can cause unnecessary stress and increase the risk of spreading the virus to other rabbits. Wildlife authorities recommend leaving infected wild rabbits undisturbed, as many can survive with the condition or recover naturally. For pet rabbits showing suspicious growths, a veterinarian should be consulted promptly. In severe cases, surgical removal of tumors may be necessary. Preventive care includes insect control, regular health checks, and keeping domestic rabbits separated from wild populations.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Flu vaccines have prevented millions of deaths – our research proves it
The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was caused by a particularly virulent strain of influenza virus. It infected 500 million people, caused around 50 million deaths, and its impact was so severe that global life expectancy fell dramatically. It claimed more lives than the First World War. In their efforts to develop a vaccine, researchers at the time worked under the mistaken assumption that influenza was caused by bacteria, based on Richard Pfeiffer's 1892 discovery of the 'bacillus influenzae', which today is known as the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. It was not until 1931 that Richard Shope discovered the Influenza A virus in pigs. In 1933, Wilson Smith, Christopher Andrewes and Patrick Laidlaw then discovered the same virus in humans. Subsequent work has described different versions of the virus surface proteins haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Different combinations of these give rise to the influenza A virus subtypes, including the H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2 subtypes that have afflicted humankind for over 100 years. The first inactivated influenza vaccine for use in humans was developed by Thomas Francis (who also developed the Influenza B virus in 1940) and his student Jonas Salk, who later developed the polio vaccine. The influenza vaccine was tested for safety and efficacy in the US military during World War II before being licensed for wider use in 1945. However, researchers soon realised that the virus regularly mutated, meaning vaccines needed annual updates to remain effective. Various technologies and methods are used in producing flu vaccines. In the northern hemisphere, design for the autumn vaccine begins in February, and is based on the strains circulating at that time. Over recent decades, vaccines have evolved in response to changes in circulating viruses. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Influenza Programme and, in 1952, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to track emerging strains. These initiatives enabled the production of seasonally updated vaccines, and form the basis for the WHO's annual recommendation of specific strains to be included in each hemisphere's immunisations against Influenza A H1N1 and H3N2, as well as Influenza B viruses. Flu returns annually as an epidemic. It is a constant threat to public health, affecting millions of people and causing severe complications in the most vulnerable: young children, older adults, and people with pre-existing conditions. Leer más: In 2010, the recommendation for full vaccination of the population (from 6 months onwards) marked a major advance in reducing the risk and complications of infection. It also meant that hospitals were under less strain in the winter months. Since then, flu's impact has diminished greatly, but what do we really know about how effective vaccines are? To find out, our team conducted a study. We analysed different parameters to estimate the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing and reducing the severity and mortality of infection, especially in the most vulnerable segments of the population. Our work is a meta-analysis of 119 articles published over the last 10 years, covering a total of 192,705 patients. Our mathematical analysis was validated using data from the TrinetX database, which includes over 6.5 million patients. We analysed the percentage of the most common influenza viruses such as Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and Influenza B in different age groups: children under 5, people between 5 and 65, and people over 65. In addition, we studied the effectiveness of vaccines against these viruses in the same age groups. Our results show that vaccines are effective in preventing infection with the different influenza viruses they are intended to prevent. In the case of H3N2, this protection is more limited. In terms of its effectiveness in preventing deaths, our analysis of the data shows that influenza vaccination is able to reduce infection-associated mortality by half overall, including H3N2 infections. For at-risk groups – those with pre-existing conditions that make them two to ten times more likely to die after influenza infection – vaccination in some cases reduced their mortality to levels comparable to those of uninfected people. This highlights the vaccine's ability to protect even those who face the greatest risks. Leer más: In a society where vaccine scepticism is on the rise, it is crucial that we gather and analyse all available evidence, share it, and use it to make objective decisions that outweigh opinions or value judgements. It is true that vaccination does not guarantee that nobody will get infected. However, it does reduce the burden of disease on healthcare systems and, more importantly, it saves lives. Mild or moderate symptoms after infection are a small price to pay when you consider that vaccines protect us from hospitalisation, serious complications and death. We often hear people say things like 'I got vaccinated this year and still got the flu'. However, with the data in front of us, we can be certain that without vaccination, this illness could have been much, much worse. This article was written in collaboration with the physicist Jesús Presa Mansilla Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos académicos. Lee mas: Why do false claims that vaccines cause autism refuse to die? Here are nine reasons No, we're not 'one mutation away' from an H5N1 bird flu pandemic – here are the facts Norovirus, aka the winter vomiting bug, is on the rise – an infectious disease expert explains the best ways to stay safe Estanislao Nistal Villán receives funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, PID2023-150116OB-I00. Javier Arranz Herrero no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.
