In the last few days, Colorado has become the scene of strange sightings that seem to have come out of a horror film. Several wild rabbits have appeared with showy dark growths on head and neck, similar to horns or tentacles. “Frankenstein rabbits” were renamed on social media, but behind the disturbing aspect there is a much more rational explanation.
The virus that deforms rabbits
The cause of these oddities is Shope’s papillomavirus, a virus known for almost a century that affects the north -American lagomorphs, in particular the rabbit with a cotton tail. This pathogen induces the formation of keratinized papillomas, hard and pigmented growths that take on the form of horns. Despite the frightening visual impact, these are benign tumors that rarely put the life of the animal at risk, if not when they grow close to the mouth or eyes, preventing you from feeding or orienting themselves.
The virus is mainly transmitted through carrier insects such as fleas, mosquitoes and ticks, which is why cases increase during the summer. In other cases, the contagion can take place by direct contact between rabbits. The growths tend to regress spontaneously thanks to the animal’s immune system, without the need for external interventions.
From the legend of the Jackalope to medical research
This phenomenon also has roots in American folklore: it is believed that legends about the Jackalope, a mysterious cuckold of the West meadows, derive from the observation of infected rabbits. The collective imagination has transformed a natural condition into a mythological creature, even capable – according to the stories of the cowboys – to imitate the human voice.
There are no dangers for man
Shope’s Papillomavirus does not represent any danger to humans or pets, but is of great interest in the scientific community. Being similar to human papillomavirus (HPV), the study of these rabbits has made it possible to better understand the mechanisms with which viruses can cause tumors. In particular, he contributed to research on the link between HPV and cervical cancer.
However, experts recommend prudence: anyone who meets a rabbit with these growths must avoid touching or capturing it. Although there is no risk of contagion, direct contact can generate stress in animals and worsen their conditions.
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