FlyStrike in Rabbits

Rabbits are prone to dental disease and obesity caused by being fed an incorrect diet.

Diarrhoea becomes a problem due to the bad diet and being overweight means that they are unable to keep themselves clean around their rear ends. This poor hygiene becomes a contributing factor for flystrike in rabbits.



As the weather increases in temperature, the flies increase in number and they like to lay eggs in damp, warm areas such as wet fur. When the eggs hatch maggots emerge and their natural instinct is to go away from light and they burrow down into your rabbit's skin. They feed on the tissues then after a period of growing they cocoon themselves ready to later emerge into flies. It is then that the cycle begins again.

If the tiny white eggs are found on the rabbit they should be removed straight away with tweezers and a check for any maggots carried out. If maggots are present they also need to be removed. They burrow deep into the tissues and orifices so even if you think you have removed them all, take your rabbit to a vet immediately to have the broken skin treated and so a thorough examination can take place.

In some circumstances the maggots would have eaten so much flesh that there is no other option than euthanasia. Sometimes there are just so many maggots that they cannot all be found and removed and other times the rabbit has gone into shock and just cannot cope with the stress of rehabilitation so euthanasia is the fairest decision.

Often owners do not notice fly strike because the rabbit continues to eat. This is because they are naturally prey animals and in the wild if they showed any sign of pain or weakness they would be predated upon. It is therefore very important that rabbits are not just looked at through the hutch but are handled at least twice daily. Always check your rabbit’s bottom to make sure it is clean and ensure any long hair is brushed regularly to prevent knots. If faeces are stuck to the hair you will need to bathe it away with by wiping with warm, wet cotton wool and then towel-dry well or have the matted fur clipped away at the vets.

In order to prevent fly strike good husbandry should be in place and the hutch cleaned out daily. Rabbits are easy to toilet train, as they do not like to toilet where they sleep so go in one area of the hutch, which makes cleaning them out straightforward.

The correct diet consists of mainly hay and a small amount of concentrate and suitable vegetables. By choosing a pellet food the rabbit is unable to pick and choose what cereals it wants to eat and therefore will get all the nutrients it needs. This diet will ensure healthy stools and reduce chances of diarrhoea, which gets stuck to the coat causing an attractive area for flies. Feeding your rabbit appropriately will also mean that he/ she is more likely to be of a correct weight so reducing concentrate, cut out sugary pet treats, increase the amount of hay available and encourage exercise in a secure, safe area.

Rearguard is a product which is used to prevent myiasis (flystrike).  It is a liquid, which is applied all over the rabbit especially down the back and around the rear end. It can be used from 10 weeks of age and protects the rabbit for 10 weeks. Alternatively a product called Xenex spot on can also be used.

Although fly strike is common in pet rabbits it can happen in any animal that is not kept clean, in any area of the body including on the face if for example the pet has a discharging eye. It also is not restricted to pets kept outdoors because if doors and windows are open during the warm months flies will come into the house.