Flystrike occurs when certain types of fly 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 from toxic shock.

Flies, especially bottle flies, like to lay their eggs in warm, damp places. These flies are attracted by the smell 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.

Due to the rapid development of flystrike, cases can become very serious in a very short space of time.

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. Another reason is if they are ill, as they may produce abnormally smelly urine or have diarrhoea. There are many other reasons, but even clean, well-kept rabbits can get flystrike.

Prevention methods include:

• 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; and 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.

• Consider insect-proofing the housing of pets living outside, putting net curtains over hutches and runs, etc.

• Neuter female rabbits, as entire females may be more prone to flystrike.

We offer a routine preventative healthcare for your rabbits for just £7 a month. This includes a seasonal fly strike prevention product. Call us today on 01665 252 250 if you are concerned, or you want more advice on keeping your rabbit healthy.