Can you really get warts when you pick up a toad?

Question

My friend picked up a toad yesterday, and I want to know if you can get warts when you touch them?

Answer 1

No!  

Warts are caused by a virus, called human papilloma virus (HPV) that replicates in the bottom layer of your skin.  

Toads don't get this virus (hence the "human" papilloma virus), so they can't spread it.  

I'm not sure where the myth comes from - some people claim that it's because some toads have coloured camouflage patches that look like warts...

Answer 2

no