Wildlife officials in Colorado are warning residents to steer clear after reports of wild rabbits with bizarre facial growths., US News, Times Now

The disease in rabbits also contributed to scientists’ knowledge about the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. The virus in rabbits was named after Dr.

The beleaguered bunnies are infected with cottontail rabbit papilloma virus – also called Shope papilloma virus – which is spread by biting insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, and causes black nodules on the skin, usually on the head, which can become elongated and may come to resemble horns.