After Frankenstein rabbits and squirrels, also the “mutants” covered with black bubbles: what happens in the USA?

In recent days, social media have been invaded by unusual images that show deer covered with strange black bubbles. The animals, photographed in the gardens and woods of the USA, seem to come out of a horror film, but the experts reassure immediately: it is not a new epidemic and there are no risks for man.

What are skin fibroids

The bubbles that cover the deer are nothing but skin fibroids, that is, benign tumors similar to large warts. They can reach the size of a golf ball and hit the head and neck above all. Despite the frightening aspect, these growth remain located on specific areas of the body do not compromise the general health of animals, which continue to live normally. Only in extreme situations, when the masses become too large or numerous, can they cause difficulty. The disease spreads between deer, but does not represent any danger for other species.

From the “Zombie rabbits” to the “monstrous squirrels”

The online clamor has also exploded because of other images circulated in the United States, with rabbits suffering from black and squirrel growths covered with pustules. As we explained to you, in the case of rabbits the cause is the cottage Papilloma virus (CRPV), transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Squirrels, on the other hand, can get fibromatosis, a viral skin disease that makes them similar to horror movie creatures.

No alarmism: what experts say

Despite the disturbing appearance, sick animals are not dangerous for people, pets or birds. The naturalistic authorities, such as the Fishing and Fauna Department of Maine, have clarified that there is no reason for panic: these are diseases known for some time, which are part of the normal dynamics of wildlife.

In short, the combined effect of these viral images has contributed to creating a horror film climate on social media, with users ready to talk about “animal apocalypse” but in reality they are common pathologies in wildlife, which rarely have serious consequences and do not transmit to man. No pandemics in sight, therefore, but simply yet another demonstration of how a shot can transform a natural phenomenon into a viral collective fear.

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