Dressed in what is similar to tentacles or small horns, the animals suffer from cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (Virus of the papillom of white -tailed rabbit or Shopa papillomavirus). And despite the nightmare aspect of certain specimens, this virus has little risk.
Virus creating mutant rabbits — like something out of ‘The Last of Us’ https://t.co/8yU4bHIWET pic.twitter.com/75FnUEIxZq
— New York Post (@nypost) August 12, 2025
“Developes have no significant effects on rabbits, unless they annoy them to eat or drink. Most infected rabbits can survive the viral infection, after which the growths disappear, ”it can be read on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. It is therefore recommended not to euthanize infected animals, unless they cannot eat or drink.
The virus cannot be transmitted to other species, but can be transmitted to domestic rabbits. These may be more affected by this condition than their wild fellows and may have to be treated by veterinarians, who may have to remove the nodules during operations.
According to the online platform PET MD, which includes advice from veterinarians regarding animal health, the virus is transmitted by the insect bite such as ticks or mosquitoes.
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The virus has probably influenced the myth of jackcalop in North America, which speaks of a rabbit with woods or horns, among other animal variations. The disease has also contributed to enriching the knowledge of scientists on the link between viruses and cancer, such as human papillomavirus which causes cervical cancer.
The virus was appointed according to Dr. Richard E. Shop, professor at Rockefeller University, who discovered the disease in white rabbit in the 1930s.
The news of the observation of rabbits in Fort Collins, 105 kilometers north of Denver, began to hold attention after residents began to see them in the city and to publish photos.
Kara Van Hoose, spokesperson for Colorado Parks & Wildlife, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the agency had received calls about rabbits observed in Fort Collins.
However, she clarified that it was not uncommon to see infected rabbits, especially in summer, when the fleas and ticks that spread the virus are the most active.
With information from The Associated Press.