Flystrike, also known as Myiasis, is a problem that rabbits can be easily very susceptible to, particularly pet rabbits kept outdoors.
Flystrike is caused when a fly lays its eggs on a rabbit. The eggs then hatch out and the maggots begin to eat through the rabbit’s skin into the flesh and internal organs. Flystrike can kill a rabbit very quickly, and should be treated as soon as it is noticed. If maggots are present for more than a few hours, they could cause fatal damage to the rabbit.
Causes of Flystrike in Rabbits
Flystrike is caused by a fly laying its eggs on a rabbit. Usually this happens if the rabbit has a dirty bottom, or has some droppings stuck to the fur around its bottom. The fly will lay its eggs on the dirty area.
Rabbits that do not eat enough hay can produce more soft droppings than usual that are more likely to get stuck to the rabbit’s fur, and are therefore more susceptible to flystrike.
Obese rabbits, or rabbits with movement problems that are unable to keep their bottom area clean and remove soft droppings are also more at risk from flystrike.
Treatment of Flystrike in Rabbits
If you notice maggots on your rabbit, the rabbit must be taken to a vet immediately. Once maggots start to eat the skin and flesh of the rabbit, fatal damage can be caused very quickly. It can take just a few hours from maggots hatching out of the eggs to significant and fatal damage being caused.
If caught quickly enough, a vet will be able to remove the maggots without further damaging the rabbit’s skin and flesh. Often antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent infection.
Prevention of Flystrike in Rabbits
The best way to reduce susceptibility to flystrike is to keep your rabbit’s living area clean, and regularly check that your rabbit, particularly its bottom is clean.
Fly screens can be used on hutches or around the rabbit’s living area to keep flies away, as well as other methods of trapping flies such as fly paper. If using fly paper, make sure that your rabbit can not come into contact with it.
During warm weather, when flies are present, you should also check your rabbit’s bottom area at least twice per day for any signs of maggots. If you see any evidence of maggots, take your rabbit to the vet immediately.