Friday, March 14

Even our wildlife is infected with viruses now.

 Cottontail rabbits with the unusual appearance are infected with Shope papilloma virus (SPV), also known as the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), a wart-like condition that affects the species. The growths appear only on a rabbit's head and most likely spread by contact among infected rabbits, as well as from ticks and mosquitoes. The growths on the rabbits' heads and faces can get large, but they don't cause any immediate effects, and rabbits typically have an immune response that will get rid of the virus and growths

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Infection . . . often occurs in locations including ears, nose, eyelids, and the anus. More Information: - What to Look For: Black nodules on the skin, usually the head. Growths can sometimes become elongated, taking on a horn‐like appearance. - Cause and Transmission: Rabbit papillomas are caused by the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also called the “Shope” papillomavirus. Like other apillomaviruses, this virus is specific to rabbits and does not cause disease in other species. Affected rabbits grow waxy black tumors that are made up mostly of keratin. Sometimes the growths can get quite long and resemble horns, in fact some believe this may be the origin of the mythical “jackalope.” Most infected cottontails can survive the viral infection, after which the growths will go away. For this reason, CPW does not recommend euthanizing rabbits with papillomas unless they are interfering with the rabbit’s ability to eat and drink. The virus is spread through direct contact and possibly through biting insect vectors such as ticks. Cases are most commonly observed at times of high rabbit densities and high insect activity. Both jack rabbits and snowshoe hares can develop tumors under experimental conditions, but natural cases have not been reported in these species. - Public Health Considerations: Although there is no risk for transmission of this virus to humans or most domestic animals, there is a risk of transmission to domestic rabbits, especially if rabbits are housed outdoors where they may contact wild rabbits or biting insects. In domestic rabbits, the disease is more severe than in wild rabbits and should be treated by a veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian for more information regarding this disease in domestic rabbits. - Additional Information/References: 

Papillomavirus Infections, in Infectious Diseases of Wild Mammals, Van Ranst, and Bennett Jenson 

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