Latest news with #cottontailrabbitpapillomavirus
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First Post
14-08-2025
- 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
Time of India
14-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dangerous virus on the prowl? Scientists investigate Colorado rabbits with tentacles after alarming mutation fears
Colorado wildlife officials are urging calm after a spate of unusual sightings, rabbits with dark, horn-like growths sprouting from their heads and faces, has stirred public unease and speculation online. While experts say the condition, known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), is not currently transmissible to humans, some epidemiologists are warning that close monitoring is essential to guard against any future spillover. The disease, spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and fleas, causes grotesque, wart-like tumors on infected rabbits. In recent days, residents across Northern Colorado have reported seeing the animals in alarming numbers, sometimes with growths obstructing their vision or mouths. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Although CRPV has been documented for decades and is considered largely benign in wild rabbit populations, veterinary virologists note that papillomaviruses have a history of evolving. In rare cases, similar animal viruses have jumped species barriers, raising questions about whether climate change, urban expansion, and surging insect populations could create conditions for mutation. Possible impacts on domestic animals The virus is more dangerous for domesticated rabbits, where it can cause malignant tumors. Pet owners are advised to keep rabbits indoors if infected wildlife are present nearby and to seek veterinary care immediately if symptoms appear. Live Events There is currently no vaccine or treatment for CRPV, either for wild or domestic rabbits. Colorado wildlife officials stress that the public should avoid touching, feeding, or attempting to capture the infected animals. For now, the official message remains clear to keep your distance, protect your pets, and let scientists do their work. FAQs What is the horned rabbit virus ? The horned rabbit virus, formally known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), is a wildlife disease that causes wart-like or horn-like growths on rabbits' heads and faces. Can the horned rabbit virus infect humans? Currently, there is no evidence that CRPV can infect humans or most household pets. Scientists say it is species-specific, but they continue to monitor for potential mutations. How does the virus spread? CRPV spreads mainly through biting insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, making infections more common in warmer months.
Time of India
13-08-2025
- 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.
Time of India
13-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is the SPV virus turning rabbits into ‘zombie bunnies' with tentacles, and can it infect dogs or cats?
Wild rabbits in South Dakota have been spotted with bizarre horn- or tentacle-like growths on their heads, alarming residents and sparking viral social media posts. Photos of these 'zombie bunnies' have exploded online, with some users dubbing them alien-like and others expressing shock or sympathy. "Stranger Things from the inside out world have made their first appearance ," wrote on X user. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program "It's like a resident evil version of a rabbit, but in real life," quipped another. What's Behind the Creepy Mutation? According to reports, a virus called the Shope papillomavirus (SPV) aka the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) is causing rabbits to grow such weird tentacles. This DNA virus primarily infects wild cottontail rabbits in the US, causing wart-like tumours that often appear around the head, face, and ears. These growths can resemble spikes, antlers, or fleshy tentacles. — ShadowofEzra (@ShadowofEzra) Live Events Though the condition isn't usually fatal, the growths can impair a rabbit's vision, smell, and ability to eat, leaving them vulnerable to predators. In rare cases, the tumours can become cancerous. The virus spreads between rabbits through direct contact or via biting insects like mosquitoes, which often target fur-free areas of the head. Annual Occurrence, Not a New Outbreak Sightings of 'horned' or 'tentacled' rabbits are not new in South Dakota and other US states like Colorado. Locals report such cases almost every year. Many wild rabbits develop an immune response that eventually shrinks or eliminates the growths, but veterinarians sometimes remove them in severe cases. Safe for Humans and Most Pets Experts stress that SPV cannot infect humans, dogs, or other large mammals. The main risk is to domesticated rabbits, which tend to be more susceptible than their wild counterparts. If you keep pet rabbits, preventing mosquito bites and avoiding contact with wild rabbits can reduce the risk. Meanwhile, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have advised people to leave the animals alone. The growths are a natural result of the virus, and interfering with wild rabbits can cause unnecessary stress. If spotted, admire from a safe distance — and maybe snap a photo for your own viral moment.
