A American domestic pet is a rabbit.
Horned Rabbits in Colorado: A Mystery Unraveled
In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, a peculiar sight has been causing quite a stir among locals and visitors alike. These days, it's not uncommon to spot rabbits sporting tentacle- or horn-like growths on their heads, a phenomenon that has earned them the ominous nickname "Frankensteins."
These unusual growths are the result of an infection by the Shope papillomavirus, a virus that is specific to rabbits. This virus, first discovered in the 1930s, is responsible for causing wart-like growths on the rabbits' faces and bodies, which can sometimes develop into larger keratinous structures resembling tentacles or horns.
These growths can interfere with feeding and lead to severe outcomes such as starvation. Despite their horrifying appearance, there is no evidence that humans can contract Shope papillomavirus, including through mosquito bites or other vectors. The virus is specific to rabbits and has not been shown to infect humans.
Rabbits contract the Shope papillomavirus through mosquito bites. While this may raise concerns about the potential spread of the virus to humans, health authorities, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, do not consider it a zoonotic threat to people. Mosquito transmission to humans has not been documented or suggested by experts in the reports examined.
References to horned hares or rabbits can be found in folktales, such as völpertingers, jackalopes, or kröllen. An image of a horned hare or rabbit is available from an old encyclopedia, hinting at the persistence of these legends throughout history.
The numbers of "Frankensteins" and their "horns" are increasing in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging everyone to stay away from these infected rabbits and avoid touching them. While the sight of these horned rabbits may be intriguing, it's important to remember that they are sick and potentially dangerous.
[1] Shope, R. E. (1932). A new papilloma virus of the rabbit. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 66(6), 933-940.
[2] Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (2021). Shope papillomavirus in rabbits. Retrieved from https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/ShopePapillomavirusinRabbits.aspx
[3] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Shope papillomavirus. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/shope-papillomavirus
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Shope papillomavirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/shope-papillomavirus/index.html
- In the realm of medical-conditions that affect animals, the Shope papillomavirus, a virus discovered in the 1930s, has emerged as a notable entity in the science community, particularly with regards to health-and-wellness of rabbits and their lifestyle.
- While Shope papillomavirus-induced 'horns' on rabbits in Colorado have led to a fascinating pet-related phenomenon, it's crucial to emphasize that this condition can negatively impact their feeding habits and potentially result in severe outcomes.
- Although the Shope papillomavirus has been linked to the unusual growths seen on Colorado rabbits, experts have clarified that there is no evidence suggesting a zoonotic threat to humans, maintaining the distinction between animal health and human health-and-wellness.
