Disturbing images of a virus-infected deer are circulating on the internet, sparking concern among netizens. The post has further caused a frenzy as it comes just weeks after the viral “Frankenstein rabbits” in Colorado. Panic-stricken netizens had recently claimed to witness “zombie-like” squirrels and rabbits suffering from grotesque-looking tumors on their bodies. The mysterious outbreak has since drawn comparisons to creatures in horror movies and video games.
Here are all the details.
Photos of virus-infected deer go viral on the internet
The gruesome image features a deer covered in a mysterious cluster of black wart-like growths around its eyes and ears. The disturbing photo has gone viral with people sharing it on Reddit and other social media platforms.
The unfamiliar nature of the spots has led netizens to come up with theories. Some users suggest that it might be cancerous growths, while others believe it to be some unknown, bizarre disease. One social media user who had spotted the odd whitetail deer even asked whether the animal had produced a gunshot wound or firework injuries. Now, many people are wondering if humans are in danger of catching the disease as well.
Wildlife experts have since debunked all rumors, explaining the real reason behind the unusual symptoms. The bubble-like black growths are fibromas and non-cancerous tumors that result from a type of viral infection. This condition, known as cutaneous fibromas, spreads through close contact, most often during self-grooming. Although the tumors usually occur on the deer’s head and neck, they can spread to its body and legs. Contrary to popular belief, the disease does not infect people or their pets.
Thus, netizens can rest assured that unsettling tumors are not the beginning of any zombie apocalypse. People do not need to worry about catching the infections themselves.
