Fly strike occurs when flies are attracted to the rabbit by something that is smelly, which is generally damaged fur and skin around the rabbit’s bottom due to staining with urine or faeces. The flies lay their eggs on the rabbit, and in warm weather, within hours, these will hatch into maggots. The maggots will burrow under the rabbit’s skin, and if not found quickly, can do so much damage that the rabbit has to be put to sleep.
Fly strike can be prevented by feeding the correct diet to your rabbit, so that he or she is not overweight, does not have any staining with urine or faeces, and has healthy teeth so that he/she can groom properly.
It is important to visually check all areas of your rabbit for the evidence of fly eggs throughout the warmer months. We would also advise the application of a product to prevent the hatching of fly eggs into maggots. There are also products available to use on your rabbit if it is at risk of fly strike – please ask at reception.