Flystrike in Pet Rabbits

Flystrike can occur in many types of animals but rabbits, even pet rabbits, are particularly prone. This is of importance in the hot and humid days of late summer.

If you do find maggots on your rabbit it is worthwhile bringing them to your vet for assessment to ensure that damage isn’t hiding under the fur. Fly eggs hatch very quickly and the maggots can cause considerable pain to the rabbit without it showing obvious external signs.

The best ways to avoid flystrike in your pet rabbit are:

• Make sure all bedding and hutch areas are dry and change bedding regularly.

• Do not feed excessive green vegetables or fruit as this can result in diarrhoea.

• Handle your rabbit daily in high risk times and carefully check under the tail and between the back legs for any signs of maggots or faecal soiling.

• Groom longer haired breeds to ensure that their back end stays clean and dry.

• Prevent your rabbit from becoming overweight.

• Ensure that there is no dental disease or unmanaged arthritis causing difficulty grooming.