Flystrike in Rabbits
What is flystrike?
During the summer months, pet rabbits may be affected by maggot infestation. Different terms are used for this but flystrike is a common one. Another is to say that the rabbit is fly blown. The technical term your vet might use is myiasis. Healthy rabbits are generally not affected by fly strike.
From April to October (all summer) you should apply a flystrike preventative. If flies land on your bunny and lay eggs, those eggs hatch to maggots, and you can imagine the rest, this one can also be fatal, but is preventable by using the right products.
There are three main problems that lead to the condition:
- A wound to which the flies are attracted and on which they lay their eggs is an obvious site where maggots can cause damage.
- More commonly, a rabbit that cannot, take and eat its caescotrophs will quickly have matted and soiled fur around its anus. This, from the fly’s point of view, is an ideal opportunity to lay eggs. When the maggots hatch if the rabbit cannot groom itself these fly larvae survive, spread and may cause a tremendous amount of damage as they eat through the tissues.
- Thirdly, damp bedding is an ideal environment for egg-laying and maggot growth and development. These may then migrate onto the confined rabbit.
Things you can do to prevent flystrike:
- Examine your rabbit every day to ensure they are clean around the bottom area.
- Avoid overfeeding greens, fresh grass & vegetables as these often precipitate, or worsen diarrhoea.
- Keep hutch clean and disinfected. Use plenty of good quality absorbent bedding. Clean out dirty bedding daily to avoid attracting flies. F10 Veterinary Disinfectant is highly effective.
- Protect your rabbit by using F10 Germicidal Wound Spray with insecticide which is an ideal fly repellent spray to provide you with a simple and effective means to help prevent fly-strike.
What is F10 Germicidal Wound Spray with insecticide?
This product is a ready-to-use, topical application spray which can be used to repel flies, fleas, mosquitoes, lice and ticks with just a weekly application to the rear of your rabbit.
F10 Spray is available from us here at Apex Vets and is included in the Healthy Pets Club, speak to reception for more details.
If you’re not sure of the vaccination status of your Rabbit, Ferret, Hamster or other small furry, then why not book them in with us for a small animal health check.
Book a small animal health check.
Don’t forget, if you do need any advice or help, you’re always welcome to call us on 01324 829 989 and we’ll do whatever we can to assist.
