https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/cf56f3e950b9c0b97cd14ede7cc823fd.pdf 0d0ec6fac95906ca7c8148e404165b43 PDF Text Text Rabbit Papillomas • Rabbit papillomas are growths on the skin caused by a virus. The growths have no significant effects on wild rabbits unless they interfere with eating/drinking. Species Affected in Colorado • Cottontail rabbits What to Look For • • Black nodules on the skin, usually the head Growths can sometimes become elongated, taking on a horn-like appearance Cause and Transmission Rabbits papillomas are caused by the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also called Cottontail rabbit with papillomas. Note the black waxy the “Shope” papillomavirus. Like other papillomaviruses, this growths on the chin. Photo credit: Leah Colton, CDPHE virus is specific to rabbits and does not cause disease in other species. Affected rabbits grow waxy black tumors (see photo) that are made up mostly of keratin. Sometimes the growths can get quite long and resemble horns, in fact some believe this may be the origin of the mythical “jackalope”. Most infected cottontails can survive the viral infection, after which the growths will go away. For this reason, CPW does not recommend euthanizing rabbits with papillomas unless they are interfering with the rabbit’s ability to eat and drink. The virus is spread through direct contact and possibly through biting insect vectors such as ticks. Cases are most commonly observed at times of high rabbit densities and high insect activity. Both jack rabbits and snowshoe hares can develop tumors under experimental conditions, but natural cases have not been reported in these species. Public Health Considerations Although there is no risk for transmission of this virus to humans or most domestic animals, there is a risk of transmission to domestic rabbits, especially if rabbits are housed outdoors where they may contact wild rabbits or biting insects. In domestic rabbits, the disease is more severe than in wild rabbits and should be treated by a veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian for more information regarding this disease in domestic rabbits. Additional Information/References Papillomavirus Infections, in Infectious Diseases of Wild Mammals (Authors: John P. Sundberg, Marc Van Ranst, and Bennett Jenson) Rev 07/2017 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fact Sheets Type The nature or genre of the resource Fact Sheet Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Description An account of the resource CPW Fact Sheets Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rabbit tapeworms Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Colorado Parks & Wildlife Extent The size or duration of the resource. 1 page Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2015 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/">No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only</a>