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The virus associated with “zombie rabbit” growths is not considered a threat to humans. The growths are caused by Shope papillomavirus (SPV), which the reviewed sources describe as infecting rabbits and hares and as not readily transmissible to people; Mayo Clinic Laboratories characterizes the human risk as minimal. The lesions can still affect a rabbit’s welfare, especially if they interfere with vision or eating.
What are “zombie rabbits”?
“Zombie rabbit” and “Frankenstein rabbit” are media nicknames, not medical diagnoses. They describe wild cottontails with papillomas—wart-like growths that can become hard and horn-like. The sightings that drew attention in Colorado in 2025 were attributed to Shope papillomavirus.
The striking appearance does not mean the rabbit is a zombie or that the growths indicate a human disease. The Wildlife Society reports that Colorado’s mountain, desert, and eastern cottontails are affected; that geographic observation should not be taken to mean the condition occurs only in Colorado or only in those rabbit populations.
What causes the growths?
Shope papillomavirus (SPV) causes papillomas in susceptible rabbits and hares. The virus can spread among rabbits through biting insects, including fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.
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Wild cottontail lesions are often benign and may resolve, but growths in sensitive areas can impair vision or feeding. Cases in domestic rabbits are rare and can be more consequential. If a pet rabbit develops suspicious growths, contact a veterinarian rather than trying to treat them at home.
Can humans catch the “zombie rabbit” virus?
The sources reviewed describe SPV as rabbit-specific or not readily transmissible to humans. Mayo Clinic Laboratories summarizes the human risk as minimal. The evidence supports reassuring readers that SPV is not considered a human threat, rather than promising an absolute zero risk.
Seeing an affected rabbit does not mean you have been infected. Avoid handling wild animals; give an affected rabbit space and contact a wildlife professional if it appears unable to function or is in immediate danger.
Is it related to human HPV?
SPV and human papillomaviruses are related in the broad sense that they belong to the papillomavirus group. That relationship does not mean the rabbit virus is human HPV or that it causes human warts or cancer. The reviewed sources do not identify SPV as readily transmissible to people.
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Research on rabbit papillomavirus has also contributed to work on papillomavirus biology. That scientific connection is not evidence of a human health threat.
What happens to an infected rabbit?
Wild cottontail growths are often benign and can resolve. However, lesions may interfere with a rabbit’s vision or ability to eat, depending on their location and size. Do not assume that a growth is harmless in a domestic rabbit: domestic cases are rare but may be more serious.
Do not cut off, burn, medicate, or otherwise try to treat a rabbit’s growth yourself. A veterinarian should assess a pet rabbit with suspicious lesions. For a wild rabbit, do not capture or handle it; seek guidance from a wildlife professional if it appears unable to see or eat, or is otherwise in immediate difficulty.
What should you do if you see one?
- Keep your distance. Do not chase, corner, handle, or feed the wild rabbit.
- Observe without disturbing it. Note whether it appears able to see, move, and eat.
- Contact a wildlife professional if the rabbit appears impaired or in immediate danger. Avoid attempting treatment yourself.
For a domestic rabbit with suspicious growths, arrange veterinary assessment. A veterinarian can evaluate the individual rabbit and advise on appropriate care.
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FAQ
Can I get human HPV from a rabbit with horn-like growths?
The rabbit virus is distinct from human HPV. Although the viruses are related at the broad papillomavirus-group level, the sources reviewed describe SPV as not readily transmissible to people and the human risk as minimal.
Are “zombie rabbits” dangerous to pets?
The sources describe SPV as infecting rabbits and hares, not as a readily transmissible threat to people or pets. Keep pets away from wild rabbits regardless, so they do not harass or injure wildlife.
Should I treat a rabbit’s growth at home?
No. Do not cut, medicate, or otherwise treat a growth yourself. Have a veterinarian assess a domestic rabbit with suspicious lesions. For a wild rabbit, keep your distance and contact a wildlife professional if it appears impaired or in immediate danger.
Can the growths stop a rabbit from seeing or eating?
Yes. Lesions can interfere with vision or feeding when they affect sensitive areas. That is an animal-welfare concern, even though SPV is not considered a human threat.
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- Convenient Door Opening Design – The waterproof liner includes a reserved space for the cage door, allowing it to open smoothly so pets can freely enter and exit without obstruction.
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Sources
The Wildlife Society, “Tentacle bunny virus rebrands jackalopes in viral trend”
Mayo Clinic Laboratories, “Rabbits, Chikungunya, and More Viral News: Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D.”
dvm360, “Are there Frankenstein rabbits in Colorado?”
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