Protect your rabbit against flystrike

What is it?

Flystrike is an unpleasant and distressing condition which mainly affects rabbits and is more common in the spring and summer months when flies are more active and looking for somewhere to lay their eggs.  Your rabbit and its hutch are ideal areas.  Flystrike occurs when certain species of fly lay their eggs on the rabbit.  These eggs hatch into maggots that then begin to eat the rabbit’s flesh.  The flies are attracted by soiled or wet fur/fleece, often around your rabbit’s rear end.  However, any area of the body can be affected, as can any wound, cut or scratch. Sadly, flystrike causes serious pain and suffering and it can be fatal.

What can you do to prevent it happening to your rabbit?

Although quite a common condition, the good news is that it can easily be prevented by following these simple steps:

• Examine your rabbit every day
  Always make sure your rabbit is clean. A rabbit with diarrhoea or a dirty bottom is at far more risk, as the smell will attract the flies. Ensure that your rabbit has a balanced and complete diet as this will help prevent diarrhoea.  If you see any signs of maggots, remove them with warm soapy water, thoroughly dry the affected area and contact your local Vets4Pets practice to arrange for the vet to check all is ok with your rabbit.  Keep an eye on your bunny's teeth too as dental disease is another prime cause of digestion problems in rabbits. 

• Feeding your rabbit
  Avoid overfeeding your rabbit as obesity is very common and is one of the main causes of a bunny not being able to clean its own bottom.  Pellets should form a minimal part of your rabbit's diet and he or she should get over 90% of their calorie intake from fibrous food like hay, grass and green veg like cabbage.  This keeps them slim, entertained and keeps their teeth in good shape as well as their waistline. 

• Keep the hutch clean
  Use plenty of good quality absorbent bedding in your rabbit’s hutch and toilet area to avoid excess moisture collecting. Clean out any dirty bedding daily as clean bedding is less likely to attract flies.
  

• Once a week thoroughly clean and disinfect the hutch
  At least once a week, completely empty everything from the hutch and disinfect with a purpose-made solution suitable for the use with small animals. Allow the hutch to dry completely then place new, clean bedding.

• Fly prevention
  Although the first four points will significantly reduce the number of flies around your rabbit, it may be necessary to use some more direct methods of fly prevention. These include the use of insect repellents specifically designed for rabbits and the use of fly screens.