Rabbit – Fly Strike

WHAT TO DO

  1. Visit vet immediately if you notice any of the clinical signs.

WHAT IS IT?

Rabbits are prone to fly strike especially in the spring to summer months. Bunnies with soggy bottoms can attract blowflies which will lay maggots around their bottom. This causes serious skin irritation infection and pain.

CLINICAL SIGNS

  • Irritation around bottom
  • Redness round bottom
  • Maggots around bottom

CAUSES

  • Diarrhoea
  • Excess skin around rump causing moisture leading to infection
  • Inability to clean itself

TREATMENT

  • Removal of maggots and debriding wound under sedation
  • Daily wound cleaning
  • Pain relief
  • Antibiotics if infected