Sick rabbits, recognizable by their tentacular black outgrowths, proliferate in several regions of the United States. Faced with this alarming situation, specialists call the population to vigilance.
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A rare virus, with rapid spread, transmitted by parasites, causes the appearance of black and cornuaric growths on the head of white -tailed rabbits, which earned them the nickname “Frankenstein rabbits”. These transferred animals have been observed several times in Fort Collins, in Colorado, reports the New York Post.
Susan Mansfield, a resident, told 9News that she had observed a rabbit with white coat with black swings that protruded around her mouth.
Another witness describes the creature as having “an outgrowth similar to a crust” on the face.
This disease, known by the scientific name of shop virus virus, leads to the formation of tumors around the head and neck of rabbits.
It is transmitted by insect bites, including ticks and fleas, which act as vectors.
Although the virus is not transmitted to humans or pets, it represents a serious threat to rabbits.
These growths can reach a size such that they prevent the animal from eating, which can lead to his death for lack of food.
In the most serious cases, the disease can evolve in potentially fatal skin cancer, especially in domestic rabbits.
The authorities recommend keeping wild rabbits remotely from pets.
In the event of infection, veterinarians can surgically remove the growths before they become cancerous.
But to date, no final treatment against this virus exists.
