Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Colorado Rabbits with 'Horns' Sighted Due to Virus
Some rabbits in Colorado have been seen with strange, horn-like growths.
These are caused by a virus called Shope papilloma.
It's like a wart that can grow on the rabbit's face.
The virus isn't dangerous to humans or other animals, and usually the growths disappear on their own.
Scientists have known about this virus for a long time, since 1930.
The virus doesn't usually hurt the rabbits, unless it spreads where they eat or see.
You shouldn't touch these rabbits, but it's ok to look at them from far away.
Rabbits with horn-like growths sighted in Colorado are infected with the Shope papilloma virus.
The virus causes wart-like growths that may look like horns to appear on the rabbits.
The virus is relatively common and has been known since 1930.
The growths are mostly harmless unless they interfere with eating or spread to eyes or mouth.
People are advised to avoid interacting with infected rabbits but can observe them from a distance.
- Who
- Rabbits, and those who have reported sightings.
- What
- Rabbits with horn-like growths are being sighted.
- When
- Sightings reported in recent days.
- Where
- Fort Collins, Colorado and surrounding areas.
- Why
- The rabbits are infected with the Shope papilloma virus.
Public Concerns
Scientific Understanding
Disease Risk
Public Concerns
Concern about spread of a novel disease
Scientific Understanding
Concern is unwarranted. Virus is not new and does not affect humans or other animals.
- Virus Name
- Shope papilloma virus
- Appearance
- Wart-like growths or horn-like spikes
- Location
- Colorado
- Discovery Year
- 1930
- Human Risk
- None
- Animal Interaction
- Avoid interaction.