Flystrike in Rabbits

Over the summer months, some rabbits are at risk of becoming infested with maggots, commonly referred to as flystrike. Generally, healthy rabbits will not be affected but it is considered best practice to provide with protection against flystrike between April and October.

Flystrike occurs when flies land on your rabbit and lay eggs.  These eggs then hatch into maggots leading to infestation.

Some issues that can contribute towards flystrike can include:

• If a rabbit has a wound, the flies will be attracted to this and will lay their eggs in the affected area.  Once the maggots hatch they will cause further tissue damage
• Rabbits pass caecotrophs on a daily basis which they will eat for nutrients. If a rabbit has matted fur or suffers from arthritis this will affect their ability to consume their caecotrophs, as well as preventing them from cleaning themselves effectively. Where they are soiled, the flies will lay their eggs and maggots will hatch
• Damp bedding is another issue that can lead to fly strike. This is an ideal environment for flies to lay their eggs and maggots to hatch

What can you do to prevent flystrike?

1. Make sure you examine your pet regularly, particularly their back end, to ensure they are clean
2. Avoid overfeeding any foods that can cause runny faeces – for example greens, vegetables and fresh grass
3. Keep your rabbit’s hutch as clean as possible.  Always use good quality bedding that is absorbent and remove any soiled bedding on a daily basis to prevent attracting flies. Disinfect their environment on a regular basis.
4. Treatments are available from your vets to help protect your rabbit from fly strike! Fly repellent products can be applied to your rabbit over the summer months – we recommend F10 insecticide products.

What is F10 insecticide?

F10 is a ready to use product.  It repels flies, fleas, mosquitos, lice and ticks when applied as a weekly treatment to your rabbit. If you would like to find out more about this product, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss further or need guidance on how to apply, visit our YouTube tutorial.

Don’t forget if your rabbit is under our Healthy Pet Care scheme, this product is included in their plan.  If you have not picked up their treatment yet, please contact us or place a request using the form on our website.