A disease that looks like something right out of The Last of Us has been infecting rabbits in the US, terrifying residents.
The affected animals appear to have tentacle-like growths sprouting from their bodies and faces. The black, twisted, horned growths slowly take over the rabbits’ bodies, turning them into nighmarish monsters.
Anyone who has played or watched The Last of Us series would recognise them as a Codycept-type sickness. However, according to scientists, the rabbits aren’t contagious, and they’re not about to bring about the end times.
The tumors are known as cottontail papilloma virus and aren’t transmissible between species. Initially, they aren’t painful or dangerous to the rabbit. It is transmitted to the bunnies via ticks and mosquitoes, and causes the horn-like tumors to grow on the faces of rabbits.
No Risk Of Rabbit Nightmare to Humans
At present, the disgusting wart-like growths have only been spotted on rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado. It has been spread to them via the mosquitoes and ticks in the area. experts are warning people to keep their distance if they’re seen. However, at present, it doesn’t appear that the virus can be spread to other species.
However, as the mosquitoes, infected rabbits, and ticks travel, so will the virus. Researchers believe that the virus could spread further than just Fort Collins. Soon, the horrible mutations could be seen all across the Midwest. There doesn’t seem to be anything scientists are able to do to slow the spread at present.
The virus takes its time to manifest across the faces of bunnies. Eventually, the tumors will grow across the mouth and eyes of the animals, killing them. In some cases, the growths can turn into cancers, also ending the rabbits’ lives.
Pet owners are advised to keep pests away from their rabbits. But, in the case of infection, vets are able to remove the growths safely. This will remove the malignancy and should allow the bunny to return to full health.
However, for the wild rabbits out there, there isn’t too much hope.