Bizarre "Zombie" Rabbits Sporting "Horns" Spark Concern Among Colorado Residents - Unraveling the Mystery
Headline: Unusual Sightings of Rabbits with Horn-Like Growths in Colorado Linked to Virus
In the past few weeks, Colorado has seen a series of unusual sightings – rabbits with growths on their heads that resemble horns. These growths are the result of an infection caused by the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also known as the Shope papillomavirus.
First identified by Richard E. Shope in the early 20th century, this virus leads to the development of wart-like or tumor growths on rabbits' faces and bodies. The growths can sometimes resemble horns or tentacles and are generally firm, white, and moist, persisting for up to 150 days before disappearing[1][2][3].
These growths are not harmful to wild rabbits unless they interfere with eating or drinking. However, the disease tends to be more severe in pet rabbits[4]. Over a dozen such sightings have been reported in Northern Colorado since August 8[5].
The virus is spread by biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks[6]. As such, pet owners are advised to keep their rabbits indoors during summer and fall, when disease-carrying insects are at their most prolific. It's also crucial for pet owners to be aware of the risk of transmission to domestic bunnies, especially if they are housed outdoors[7].
Despite the alarming appearance, the virus is not typically a cause for significant concern regarding human health[1][2]. However, it's important to avoid touching infected rabbits to prevent potential transmission[8].
Kara Van Hoose, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, confirmed these sightings to The New York Times[9]. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department has received these reports and is monitoring the situation closely.
It's worth noting that the virus is specific to rabbits and will not spread to different species[10]. Most infected wild cottontail rabbits can survive the viral infection, and the growths will go away[11].
While these sightings may be concerning, they offer an opportunity to learn more about this virus and its impact on rabbit populations. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department encourages anyone who spots a rabbit with unusual growths to report it to their local office.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Shope Papillomavirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/shope/
[2] Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/rabbits/rabbit-diseases/shope-papillomatosis
[3] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
[4] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
[5] The New York Times. (2021, September 3). Rabbits in Colorado Are Growing Horns. Here's What It Means. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/03/us/colorado-rabbits-horns.html
[6] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
[7] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
[8] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
[9] The New York Times. (2021, September 3). Rabbits in Colorado Are Growing Horns. Here's What It Means. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/03/us/colorado-rabbits-horns.html
[10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Shope Papillomavirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/shope/
[11] Colorado State University. (n.d.). Shope Papillomatosis. Retrieved from https://vetmed.colostate.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/small-animal-clinic/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases/shope-papillomatosis/
- The Shope papillomavirus, a virus harmful to rabbits, can cause health-and-wellness issues by leading to wart-like growths on their faces and bodies, sometimes resembling horns.
- The fitness-and-exercise regimen for rabbits should include keeping them indoors during summer and fall, as mosquitoes and ticks, known carriers of this virus, are most prolific at this time.
- While the virus is not harmful to human mental health, it's crucial to avoid touching infected rabbits to prevent potential transmission, especially in the context of lifestyle choices that promote responsible pet ownership.
- A concerned community in Colorado has reported over a dozen instances of rabbits with unusual growths since August 8, raising the issue of mental-health awareness and vigilance surrounding pet and wildlife health.
- Skin-care tips for rabbit owners may include learning about the signs of Shope papillomavirus infection and keeping their pets safe by adhering to the advice provided by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
