Flystrike is a common, extremely distressing and often fatal disease, which affects rabbits most commonly during the warm summer months. Rabbits at the highest risk are those that suffer from obesity, dental disease, arthritis, diarrhoea and skin wounds. Eggs are commonly laid in the fur of a rabbit’s hindquarters when rabbits develop a sore area, usually caused by faecal and/or urine soiling. These eggs hatch into maggots in as little as 12 hours, eating into flesh and causing it to die off and decay. The maggots eat further and further into the rabbits often emerging in the abdomen and then pupate in just a few days to produce new adults. The entire cycle can be completed in 7-15 days.

Flies are also attracted to rabbits when environmental conditions are poor e.g. dirty hutches, therefore, it is very important to keep their living area clean and disinfected and to regularly remove waste and soiled bedding. Flystrike is easily prevented with good housing, husbandry and hygiene. Ensure that you feed a diet which is high in fibre to avoid diarrhoea and check your rabbit daily for any soiled areas and ensure that it is clean and dry. Never neglect rabbits. They must be handled daily and are allowed to exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and not being able to keep themselves clean. Further insurance against fly strike may be provided by use of suitable insecticides and insect repellents. Ask at reception for more details.

If you find eggs or maggots on your rabbit, call the vet immediately.