Is Halloween coming early? The reports of "rabbits with tenticles" seemingly support this.
Cottontail rabbits with horn-like growths on their heads have appeared in Colorado, sparking concern over their health risk to humans and other animals.
Are there really "Frankstein" rabbits walking, or more so hopping, among us? And have these rabbits been spotted in Florida? Here's what to know.
What is 'Frankenstein's rabbit'? What is the virus on rabbits with horns?
These "Frankenstein" rabbits seen in Colorado are infected with the Shope papilloma virus, also known as the cottontail cutaneous papilloma virus.
According to ScienceDirect, it is an oncogenic virus that causes horny warts primarily on the neck, shoulders, and abdomen of cottontail rabbits. While it is not extremely common, it is not considered a rare virus.
Despite its appearance, the growths have no significant effects on wild rabbits unless they impact the rabbit's eyes or mouth. It can then interfere with seeing, eating or drinking.
Is rabbit papilloma contagious to humans?
No, it is not contagious to humans. It specifically infects rabbits, so other animals are not at risk either.
It is still recommended by experts not to touch or interact with infected animals. They also note the virus can spread through direct contact and can infect domestic rabbits housed outdoors.
How do rabbits get papillomavirus?
It is transmitted by biting arthropods, especially continental rabbit ticks, reduvid bugs, and mosquitoes.
"Typically, rabbits become infected in the warmer months of summer when transmitted by being bitten by insects like fleas and ticks, then clears from the system in colder months and the rabbits are typically fine," Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said in a public statement.
How do you treat papillomavirus in rabbits?
According to Pet MD, surgical removal of the tumors is typically recommended since the nodules may become malignant; however, they do occasionally resolve themselves on their own.
Have these rabbits been spotted in Florida?
Florida is home to two native rabbit species: the Eastern cottontail and the marsh rabbit. As of Aug. 13, there have been no reports of Shope papillomavirus in Florida's rabbit populations recently.
However, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed five cases of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Type 2 (RHDV-2) in domestic rabbits since 2020. This deadly virus has not been detected in wild rabbits.
Contributing: Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Colorado rabbits with tentacles? Florida;' reported rabbit diseases
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