Viruses Are Creating Frankenstein Bunnies and Zombie Squirrels – Here’s What to Know

The cases of “Frankenstein bunnies” and “zombie squirrels” make the headlines, and it is not even close to Halloween.

Rabbit and squirrel reports with grotesque warts, some filled with pus, were made throughout North America. The rabbits, found in the state of Colorado, seem to have horn -shaped growths on their faces, making them look like nightmare creatures. In the state of Maine, as well as in some parts of eastern Canada, people have noted squirrels with warts filled with pus and missing fur plates.

While poor animals seem inappropriate, those responsible say that there is nothing for humans. These animals are infected with fairly common viruses that have no impact on people, except perhaps emotionally. No one wants to see a nice forest animal while he is sick.

What makes rabbits grow horns?

When observing animals in the wild, it is not only respectful to leave them alone and not to touch them, but there is also one aspect of security at this approach. Some animals carry zoonotic diseases, which means that they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Fortunately, in the recent case of Colorado rabbits, which is harmful to rabbits is not contagious for humans.

Colorado rabbits are infected with a virus known as the Shope papillom virus. Rabbits, mainly cotton tails, collect arthropod infection, such as ticks. From there, the virus causes a horn -shaped structure from the face, head or neck of the rabbit. Sometimes the horns interfere with the ability of the rabbit to eat, and they can die of famine.

The horns are mainly in keratin, the same material that makes up hair and nails. Richard E. Shop, the researcher who first identified the disease, described the growth of keratinous carcinomas or cancer tumors.

It is possible that a rabbit infected with the Shope papillom virus inspired the legend of Jackalope, a mythical creature with the woods of a deer, often seen in many tourist stores in the American West.

Learn more: Could zombie deer disease be transferred to humans?

What happens to squirrels?

With rabbits, some people have spotted squirrels in eastern North America with unusual lesions filled with pus and missing hair plates.

The disease is known as squirrel fibromatosis or squirrel smallpox. Squirrels such as the common gray squirrel can contract the virus with mosquitoes and flea bites, as well as close contact with an infected squirrel. The lesions generally develop around the area where an insect has bitten the squirrel.

Like rabbits, this disease is not transferred from animals to humans, and for the most part, squirrel will recover from the smallpox, unless the disease bothers its ability to eat or breathe.

What if you find an infected animal

Although you cannot pick up one of these viruses with an infected rabbit or squirrel, it is better to be mistaken on the side of prudence and not to approach an infected animal.

“Although sometimes unsightly, these diseases are self-limiting and lesions will finally regress. However, some people will develop obstructive lesions on their mouths or eyes, making them vulnerable to famine or attack by predators,” explains Dr. Rachel Ruden, the life of state fauna for the Iowa natural resources department.

“Public members can contact the state conservation agency to report sick or dead animals,” adds Ruden.

And it is not only the rabbits and squirrels that can come into contact with these diseases.

“Many different wildlife species can be infected with viruses that cause proliferative lesions,” says Ruden. Cerfs, turkeys and other prey birds may be victims of these viral infections. “Recognition of this scheme can help you predict the mode of transmission and the results of the disease.”

Although we, as humans, do not have to worry about all kinds of Frankenstein virus or contagious zombie from these animals, it is always better to keep your distance, as well as to guarantee all the pets you have the same.

Learn more: Zoonotic diseases that have been transferred to humans

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