Heartbreaking new images show a 'bumpy' giraffe covered with hundreds of skin lesions due to a rare viral disease also found in humans.
A giraffe in Kruger National Park, South Africa, has been observed with hundreds of skin lesions caused by a rare viral disease, specifically bovine papillomavirus (BVP), typically affecting cows. This case highlights a rare interspecies mutation. The lesions, while not immediately fatal, can lead to mobility issues and secondary infections. The giraffe is expected to live a normal lifespan, but no treatment exists, and sedation for treatment is risky. The virus may spread via oxpecker birds feeding on the giraffe's skin. Researchers are monitoring the situation for potential further mutations and spread to other species.
