Frankenstein bunnies spotted in US: 6 facts about SPV virus, symptoms and prevention tips

Scientists have said rabbits with with grotesque, hornlike growths may have a relatively common virus, SPV. Often found in summer states like Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota and Texas, SPV causes wartlike, waxy growths on a rabbit’s face.

The growths of tentacles or horns on rabbits are caused by a rare virus named Shope papilloma virus. The virus leads to wart-like skin protrusions on rabbits' heads and faces. The tentacle-like growths out of rabbits' heads have prompted warnings to steer clear of the mutated animals.

The virus spreads through biting insects like fleas or ticks. Rabbits can develop head tumors caused by Shope papilloma virus. The growths don't harm the rabbits but can be problematic if they develop over sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said virus spreads only between rabbits and does not infect dogs, humans, or other wildlife.

Keeping rabbits away from pests helps prevent the disease. Residents have been advised to give the infected animals space. The advice is to avoid attempts to help, feed, or handle them.

Officials compared the virus to benign cancerous cells and said there is no cure. Surgical removal is typically recommended, though some growths may resolve on their own. Regular vet checkups are important to monitor for recurrence and preventing insect exposure is key to reducing the risk.

SPV virus can spread between rabbits, it is not known to infect humans or pets and is therefore not considered a threat to public health, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The disease is more severe in domestic bunnies than their wild brethren with the big fear being that they can develop squamous cell carcinoma- a serious and potentially fatal skin cancer.