Northern Colorado rabbits have been found with horn-like growths due to Shope papillomavirus, a virus that specifically affects only rabbits and hares. This infection is not dangerous to humans or other species. The majority of affected rabbits will clear the virus naturally, resulting in the eventual detachment of the keratin-based growths. Although there is concern that some rabbits may develop squamous cell cancer, it is primarily harmless. Reports of these unusual rabbits have increased since some media attention, yet establishing the prevalence of the infection remains challenging.
Rabbits in northern Colorado have been observed with horns caused by Shope papillomavirus, a viral infection that is generally harmless and specific to rabbits.
Shope papillomavirus can cause warts in rabbits, and infection usually does not pose a significant threat, as rabbits often clear it on their own.
The growths formed by the virus can sometimes lead to squamous cell cancer, but are generally made of keratin and will fall off once the virus clears.
Though reports of horned rabbits have increased following media coverage, it's impossible to determine the actual number of affected rabbits in northern Colorado.
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