A giraffe covered in unusual, lumpy growths has been spotted roaming Kruger National Park in South Africa, raising concerns among wildlife experts. The towering animal, captured in striking photographs by wildlife photographer Marius Nortje, appears to be suffering from a rare papillomavirus infection—an affliction that has been documented in giraffes only a handful of times.
A Rare Case of Viral Infection in Giraffes
Papillomaviruses are well known in the animal kingdom, affecting species from cattle to humans. The most recognized human variant, human papillomavirus (HPV), is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. But in giraffes, such infections are considered highly unusual.
According to Gemma Campling, head veterinarian and CEO of Worldwide Vets, the giraffe may have contracted bovine papillomavirus (BPV), a virus prevalent in cattle but occasionally seen in other hoofed mammals, such as antelopes and zebras.
Another possibility is Giraffa camelopardalis papillomavirus 1 (GcPV1), a lesser-known variant discovered in 2017, reports Livescience. However, without further testing, the exact cause remains uncertain.
“This is quite a new and rare occurrence,” Campling explained. “We have few cases to learn from, so it’s hard to say if the giraffe will heal and recover.”
How Did the Giraffe Get Infected?
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this case is how the virus spread. Unlike many social animals, giraffes do not often engage in direct physical contact, making transmission through fomites—objects in the environment carrying infectious material—the most likely scenario.
Campling suggests that oxpecker birds (Buphagus) and ticks could have played a role. Oxpeckers are known for feeding on ticks embedded in the skin of large mammals but have also been observed consuming raw tissue from wounds. If an oxpecker fed on an infected animal and then moved to a healthy giraffe, it could have inadvertently transmitted the virus.
Similarly, ticks could act as tiny carriers, spreading the virus through blood-to-blood contact. Given that both oxpeckers and ticks travel between multiple hosts daily, they might be responsible for spreading papillomaviruses among giraffes.
What Does This Mean for the Giraffe?
In giraffes, papillomaviruses manifest as scaly lesions that can merge into larger masses over time. Initially, these lumps start as thickened plaques, which eventually rupture, leaving raw, ulcerated areas vulnerable to secondary infections.
While the growths on this particular giraffe appear extensive, experts believe they are not significantly affecting its ability to eat, move, or see. This means the animal could still live out a normal lifespan, despite its unusual appearance.
There is no known treatment for papillomavirus infections in giraffes, but in some cases, lesions regress on their own. However, severe infections could hinder movement, interfere with feeding, or lead to life-threatening complications.
Will the Giraffe Be Euthanized?
For now, Kruger National Park rangers and veterinarians have decided not to euthanize the giraffe. Since the infection is not spreading rapidly, and the pathogen is already known, park officials have opted to monitor the animal rather than intervene.
The case serves as a fascinating and puzzling glimpse into the little-understood world of wildlife diseases, reminding us how even the tallest creatures on Earth can fall victim to invisible threats.
