Shope Papilloma Virus: Understanding Tentacle-Like Growths on Colorado Rabbits

The Mystery of Tentacled Rabbits in Colorado

• 🐇 Residents in Colorado have observed cottontail rabbits with unusual black, tentacle-like growths on their heads.
• 🔍 These growths, resembling quills or toothpicks, are not from a porcupine attack but are caused by a real virus.

Shope Papilloma Virus Explained

• 🦠 The disease is caused by the Shope papilloma virus (SPV).
• 📈 In most cases, the infection manifests as harmless, benign growths similar to warts that continue to grow.
• ⚠️ In severe cases, these keratin horns can obstruct vital areas like the eyes or mouth, potentially leading to starvation.

Historical Context and Scientific Significance

• 💡 The SPV virus was first identified in 1933 by cancer researcher Richard E. Schop after similar growths were found in Iowa.
• 🦌 These unusual growths are speculated to be the origin of the mythical jackalope.
• 🔬 A significant discovery is the similarity between the SPV DNA and human papillomavirus (HPV), which aided in the development of the HPV vaccine.

Public Health and Animal Welfare

• ⚠️ Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises people to avoid contact with infected rabbits and to keep pets away from them.
• 🚫 There are no known cases of the virus transmitting from rabbits to humans.
• 🌱 Despite the alarming appearance, some infected rabbits may survive these growths.