Shope Virus in Rabbits: A Medical Marvel

Scientists attribute the cause to these rabbits being infected with the Shope papillomavirus, a mostly harmless virus that causes skin growths resembling warts, which protrude like enlarged horns according to Western media. The circulated images of these rabbits have led to mocking nicknames such as ‘Frankenstein Rabbits’ and ‘Zombie Rabbits,’ but experts assert that this condition is not new. The virus, believed to have inspired the legend of the ‘Jackalope’—a mythical story about a rabbit with antelope horns—has been known for centuries and has even contributed to pioneering scientific research. Dr. Richard Shope, a professor at Rockefeller University, discovered this virus in cotton-tailed rabbits in the 1930s, and the virus was named in his honor for this achievement. The Shope papillomavirus not only sparked curiosity but also contributed to advancements in medical sciences. It helped scientists understand the relationship between viruses and certain types of cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. News of these rabbits began to spread in Fort Collins, located 105 kilometers north of Denver, after residents noticed these strange creatures and took photos of them. It was confirmed that the appearance of rabbits infected with this virus is not uncommon, especially in seasons when fleas and ticks, which transmit the infection between rabbits, are active.