The world's rarest giraffe: scientists reveal a photo of an animal with a body covered in "bumps" (image included).

In Kruger National Park in Africa, a wildlife photographer spotted a giraffe covered with hundreds of "bumps" of affected skin, potentially caused by a rare bovine papillomavirus. Scientists believe that this unusual giraffe is likely infected with a virus that seldom affects this species of animal, as reported by Live Science.

Photos of the unusual giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) were taken by wildlife photographer Marius Nortje in Kruger National Park (South Africa). The images reveal growths on the animal's face, neck, and body.

According to Gemma Campling, chief veterinarian and CEO of the global veterinary organization Worldwide Vets, the "bumps" on the giraffe's body are a common sign of papillomavirus infection. This family of viruses spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Papillomaviruses also infect humans—specifically, human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection.

Scientists are not entirely sure, but they suspect that the giraffe may have contracted the bovine papillomavirus, which is quite common and can sometimes infect giraffes, antelopes, and zebras. Campling noted that giraffes infected with the virus are a relatively new and rare phenomenon, and there is currently very little known about it, leading researchers to question whether the animal will survive.

As early as 2007, scientists reported two other individuals in Kruger National Park that also exhibited "extensive lesions." At that time, researchers conducted tests and found BPV in both giraffes. Although BPV is suspected to be the cause, Campling also suggested that the latest case might have been triggered by Giraffa camelopardalis 1 (GcPV1), a variant discovered in 2017. However, neither case has been confirmed.

Researchers remain uncertain about how the giraffe became infected, as animals typically do not have direct physical contact with one another. Therefore, it is more likely that fomites—objects or materials in the environment capable of spreading infection—are responsible for the virus's transmission.

In giraffes, papillomaviruses lead to scaly skin lesions that spread over time, sometimes merging into larger masses. The danger lies in the fact that the lumps grow and rupture, leaving gaps that become covered with scabs. Consequently, the disease spreads even faster since the skin is already damaged.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for these viruses; however, observations indicate that sometimes lesions can spontaneously regress, eventually leading to recovery. In severe cases, this can hinder movement and feeding or lead to secondary infections that can be fatal. According to Campling, in this instance, it appears that the growths do not significantly affect the giraffe's ability to eat or see.