Colorado Wildlife Teams Track Surge in Shope Papillomavirus
State conservation authorities are monitoring a noticeable rise in Shope papillomavirus cases among both wild and household rabbits this summer.
What Is Shope Papillomavirus?
The virus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), emerged in the 1930s when Dr. Richard E. Shope first described it. CRPV mainly infects wild cottontail rabbits but can jump to domestic species. It produces firm, horn‑like growths known as benign papillomas, typically appearing on the head, neck, and genital areas. While lesions are not life‑threatening on their own, they can become large enough to hinder feeding, sight, or movement, putting rabbits at risk of starvation, injury, or predation.
Two CRPV Types Shape the Disease Course
- CRPV‑1 (progressor) – Lesions persist and may cause further complications.
- CRPV‑2 (regressor) – Lesions can eventually shrink and disappear without intervention.
The specific CRPV type present in an individual rabbit determines the disease’s progression and its impact on survival.
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Rising Incidence of Viral Infections in Rabbits Across Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has noted a significant uptick in observations of rabbits affected by a viral condition in both rural and suburban settings. Field officers rely mainly on visual cues—distinct wart‑like exophytic growths—to flag potential infections. Veterinary experts point to direct contact between rabbits or insect vectors—including mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks—as the primary transmission routes. Elevated temperatures and insect activity during spring and summer augment the risk of disease spread.
Diagnostic Efforts and Data Collection
- State laboratories are processing tissue samples from suspected rabbits.
- Confirmatory tests will validate diagnoses and quantify disease prevalence.
- Collected data will enable wildlife managers to track trends and benchmark against historical records.
Guidelines for Rabbit Owners
- Minimise interactions between domestic rabbits and wild counterparts.
- Keep pet rabbits indoors or in secure outdoor burrows shielded from insects.
- Avoid permitting rabbits to roam in areas frequented by wildlife.
- Resist handling wild rabbits to reduce stress and prevent viral transfer to pets.
- Report sightings of rabbits with visible lesions through CPW’s observation channels to aid geographic mapping and cluster identification.
Treatment and Management Strategies
- No specific treatment exists for Shope papillomavirus in wild rabbits.
- Lesions in domestic rabbits often regress spontaneously; severe cases may require surgical removal under veterinary care.
- Wild populations focus on monitoring and mitigating environmental stressors that could exacerbate transmission.
