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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
World
David Unyime Nkanta

First, Rabbits with Tentacles. Now, Zombie Squirrels with Pus-Filled Tumours — What's Going On?

United States Disease Colorado Flickr
Zombie squirrel spotted in a backyard. (Credit: Flickr/kelvin_mazer)

Wildlife watchers across North America have shared images of rabbits with horn-like spikes and squirrels with wart-like growths, fuelling viral panic.

Biologists say two long-known, species-specific viruses are to blame: Shope papillomavirus in cottontail rabbits and leporipoxvirus causing squirrel fibromatosis. Both conditions look shocking yet do not infect humans.

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