Cottontail rabbits in Colorado and other US states have been spotted with dark, twisted growths erupting from their skulls, sparking concern among residents.
However, wildlife agencies have reassured that there is no reason to be alarmed, as the growths are caused by Shope papillomavirus, a rabbit-specific disease that has been known since the 1930s.
The virus, also known as cottontail rabbit papilloma virus (CRPV), causes dark, wart-like growths or tumors on the rabbit's neck, head, and abdomen.
Outbreaks of the disease are often seen during the summer and fall, when populations of disease-carrying insects are the highest.
Rabbit owners are advised to keep their pets indoors or in screened enclosures, control mosquitoes and ticks around their yard, and avoid contact between their rabbit and wild cottontails.
If you notice wart-like growths on your rabbit, consult a vet immediately, as surgical removal is an option, and some growths may regress on their own.
