Keeping Bunnies Safe: How to Prevent Flystrike in your Rabbit

Summer can be a scary season for our small animals. The heat can pose a problem, but the biggest risk comes from those unwelcome hot weather visitors: flies.

For us flying insects are annoying pests who somehow get into our homes. For rabbits and other small animals, flies can lead to a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition known as flystrike.

What is Flystrike?

Flystrike (also known as ‘Myiasis’) is a life-threatening condition that can affect all animals. Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, alongside livestock, are at the biggest risk of succumbing to flystrike.

Flystrike occurs when flies (typically green and blue bottles) lay their eggs on an animal’s fur. These eggs hatch out quickly into maggots which burrow into the skin and feed on the flesh. Unfortunately, these maggots can eat very rapidly, and the weather makes maggots more active and speeds up their development.

This fast development means flystrike can occur in only a matter of hours. This condition can quickly become fatal, with most animals passing away from infection and toxic shock. Every pet is at risk of flystrike, even those that are clean and well-kept. However certain rabbits and other small animals may be more at risk.

Who is most at risk of flystrike?

Owners should always be on the lookout for flystrike but some animals are at a higher risk. These include:

• Pets who cannot groom themselves properly
• Pets that are ill
• Pets fed an inappropriate diet, leading to stool issues.
• Overweight pets – these animals will struggle to clean themselves.
• Pets that have an internal parasite infection
• Pets with any open wounds

Flies will be more attracted to damp dirty fur or fleece. Just one small patch can lead to a huge problem.

How Can I Prevent Flystrike?

Luckily there is much you can do as an owner to greatly reduce the risk of flystrike.

Thoroughly check your rabbit- looking for any evidence of eggs or maggots. It is advised to do this at least twice a day. The more you check the less chance of flystrike developing.

If your rabbit has a dirty back end, it is advised to clean it. Use a warm damp cloth to wipe away any mess. If necessary, trim the fur back to reduce build-up and reduce the grooming burden.

Keep litter trays and toileting areas clean. Remove waste every day to reduce the chance of flies being attracted to the area.

Ensure your rabbit is on the correct diet- this will keep their stools healthy. Rabbits produce soft stools known as ‘caecotrophs’ these are supposed to be ingested by your rabbit. Lack of fibre and balance in their diet can result in these stools becoming too soft for rabbits to eat. Soft squishy and smelly stools will entice flies into your bunny’s home.

Remember bunnies need endless amounts of clean fresh hay and a fibre-rich complementary natural pelleted food.

Clean their housing and change their bedding regularly. Remember to use a pet-safe cleaner.

Some owners will insect-proof their rabbit’s housing. This can offer some protection however this should not limit your rabbit’s daily exercise. Insect-proofing your garden isn’t practical and realistically might not keep out all flies.

Use a preventative treatment like Fly Guard. This Ivermectin-based spray can be used in early summer and will work for up to 3 months. This spray helps kill maggots and eggs before they can inflict damage.

What should I do if I find maggots on my rabbit?

If you spot maggots on your bunny, keep calm but contact your vet immediately.

Flystrike will be seen as an emergency so ring your vet to let them know you suspect flystrike then take your pet ASAP to your local clinic.

Do not attempt to treat or remove the maggots at home yourself. This can result in pain and cause your bunny to go into shock.