Fly Strike

During the summer months we urge all rabbit owners to be extra vigilant with hutch hygiene.   Fly Strike (myiasis) is an extremely unpleasant and distressing condition which can occur if flies lay their eggs on a rabbit with a dirty bottom.  The eggs very quickly hatch into maggots which feed on the living tissue of the rabbit, burrowing deep into the flesh.

Prevention is simple:

1.Keep your rabbit’s hutch clean – Damp, dirty bedding provides an ideal environment for the development of maggots.  Your rabbit will choose a “dirty corner” which you could clean every couple of days, as well as the usual once a week clean out of the entire hutch.

2.Handle your rabbit every day – pick up your rabbit and make sure his/her coat is clean and dry and free from any matted fur.  Excessive drooling from the mouth may indicate dental disease meaning that the rabbit will be unable to groom properly, increasing the risk of fly strike.  Immediately contact your veterinary surgery if you notice that your rabbit is drooling, is wet around the mouth, or has a dirty bottom.

3.Make sure your rabbit is getting the correct diet – a rabbit with diarrhoea is likely to have a dirty bottom and will be at risk from fly strike.  A diet lacking in fibre and which consists of too many watery greens can cause diarrhoea.  For more information about the correct diet, please contact your veterinary surgery or the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter.

            Please ensure that your rabbit is not at risk!