A common myth that warts come from handling toads is false.
Papillomaviruses are small, DNA-based viruses that typically do not pose serious health risks. The most common symptom is warts. Currently there are more than 100 identified strains of papillomavirus, which can affect numerous animal species from fish to humans. However, these viruses are breed-specific, and are only transmittable between animals of the same species. People, for example, cannot develop warts from contact with an infected animal. Warts generally develop in younger animals with immature or compromised immune systems, and are mostly an appearance problem. Treatment often means letting warts run their natural course.
Cattle
Isolating the infected animal reduces the spread of the virus.
Bovine papillomavirus produces warts in cattle, typically around the head, neck and shoulders. Warts will develop approximately eight weeks after the cow is infected, typically through a break in the skin. Calves, or cattle younger than 2 years old, are most vulnerable to catching the virus. It is rare to find warts in cows older than 2.
Horses
Papillomaviruses are breed specific and warts cannot be transmitted from animals to humans.
Horses can become infected by the equine papillomavirus and certain bovine papillomaviruses. Immature animals younger than 2 are most at risk. Warts can appear on the nose, lips, eyelids, genitals, udder or even inside the ears. The warts will typically disappear without any medical intervention, and do not otherwise make the horse sick. Besides isolating infected horses, it is also important to sterilize equipment before using it on other animals.
Dogs
Puppies are most suceptible to catching the virus from infected animals or environments.
The canine papillomavirus produces warts typically in a young dog's mouth and throat. Although these can interfere with the dog's ability to chew and swallow, they are otherwise not dangerous. Older dogs may develop single warts around mucous membranes. The disease is spread from dog to dog, with an incubation period of one to two months. Most commonly it effects newborn or young puppies, and is transmitted by an infected dog or environment.
Manatees
Mantees are known to have a highly efficient immune systems.
Manatees, which have been known to have a highly efficient and developed immune system, have also been found to be susceptible to papillomaviruses. Those that become infected can develop warts around the lips and face. This disease is known to affect animals with weakened or immature immune systems, which is contrary to the manatee. As a result, Homosassa manatees, in particular, are being closely studied by veterinarians and researchers to learn more about all papillomviruses. The hope is to develop a better understanding of how the virus works, and be able to discover a means of treatment and prevention.
Tags: immune systems, animals with, become infected, catching virus, develop warts
