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Flystrike is most common in the summer months and occurs when certain types of flies lay their eggs on a rabbit, which then hatch into maggots. This is a horrible disease, as these maggots then eat the rabbit’s flesh. This is often fatal due to infection or toxic shock.
Flies, especially bottle flies, like to lay their eggs in warm, damp places. These flies are attracted by the smells of faeces, urine, and blood, and therefore, like to lay their eggs on any animals that are injured or dirty and damp.
When the eggs hatch into maggots, which can be within hours, they start to eat the flesh of the rabbit, with disastrous and often rapid results. Affected rabbits can lose large parts of their flesh to the maggots, and the severe shock associated with this is often fatal.
Rabbits with dirty rear ends or generally dirty fur are particularly at risk. This may occur when they are unable to clean themselves properly; this could be due to obesity or old age. It may also be due to dental disease, which rabbits are particularly prone to. If a rabbit suffers from dental problems, they may have trouble grooming themselves properly resulting in dirty fur and fecal matter accumulating under their tails.
However, even clean, well-kept rabbits can get flystrike. For example, if a rabbit is ill, they may produce abnormally smelly urine or have diarrhoea that will attract flies.
Diet also plays an important part in preventing flystrike, as certain foods can result in diarrhoea, which can attract flies to your rabbit. Poor diet can also result in dental problems and dental disease. For more information on rabbit diets, see our article ‘Let’s Talk About Rabbits.’
If your rabbit does become struck, prompt and aggressive treatment is required. Due to the rapid development of flystrike, cases can become very serious in a very short space of time.
It is always best to avoid flystrike in the first instance, so here are some prevention methods to reduce the potential for this horrible disease:
Check for signs of illness/injury/abnormal behaviour daily.
In warm weather, check your pet all over their body, especially around their rear end and tail area, at least twice a day.
If your pet's back end is dirty, clean it immediately with warm water; ensure the area is dried thoroughly. It may be necessary to clip the fur.
Clean toilet areas daily.
Clean housing and change bedding at least once a week.
Ensure your pet is not overweight and is fed a correct diet.
Check for signs of dental disease, such as a change in appetite, weight loss, or changes to their droppings, which can also be indicative of illness.
Consider insect-proofing the housing of pets living outside, putting net curtains over hutches and runs, etc.
Neuter female rabbits; entire females may be more prone to flystrike.
We offer routine preventative healthcare for your rabbits for just £9 a month. This includes a seasonal flystrike prevention product.
If you are concerned or want more advice on keeping your rabbit healthy, call us today on 01665 252 250.
