Flystrike - Prevention is a Must!

Flystrike - Prevention is a Must!

Note - a post of a slightly ickky nature - but very important.
We have NOT included any horrid pictures in this article in case it puts off anyone wanting to view the information.

Flystrike is that awful condition where maggots eat the flesh of a living animal. The animal will suffer a great deal of pain, be at risk of serious infection, and often die from shock and accumulated toxins from the process.

Flystrike can affect any rabbit, whether clean and healthy or not - and eggs can be laid in a few seconds and then hatch only a few hours later. And don't forget that house rabbits are just as at risk as outdoor rabbits!

Those at greatest risk are those living in unsanitary conditions, the elderly or infirm or those with gastric or urinary issues or wounds; a mucky bum will attract flies in minutes.

What is responsible?

The main culprit in the Green Bottle fly (Lucilia sericata). It is a blowfly, preferring to munch on living flesh, as opposed to other blowflies such as the Blue Bottle who prefers their meat rather dead and rotting! But a number of blowfly species can attack.
Flystrike is possible from March to November, and is most probable during dry, hot days when flies are at their most active. 

Who is at risk?

Any animal is at risk. The Green Bottle is very good at finding a suitable host and laying eggs within a few minutes. Their preferred areas include anywhere slightly moist and smelly.

As a result, rabbits with incontinence, mobility issues, or digestive issues are at greater risk as they are an easy, attractive target.

But healthy, active and clean animals are also at risk.

How to spot flystrike

Fly eggs are usually laid clusters, often in vertical row of a number of eggs together. There are often multiple clusters in different areas.

The eggs look like very small grains of thin rice, ivory/cream in colour. As they develop, they increase in size and can hatch in a very short space of time from point of laying. This can be within a few hours if conditions are optimal for the eggs.

Once hatched the maggots will munch and burrow, and their activity along with their size should ensure they are detectable.

As prey animals, rabbits may not show any outward sign of the flystrike, other than maybe being more quiet or reluctant to eat. These are common, but subtle, symptoms of a rabbit in pain.

Prevention

The first line of defence is to ensure the environment is kept clean at all times. And if living outdoors, the use of insect screens on the habitat will also help reduce the number of flies.
Ensuring the rabbit itself is clean is also a must. Underlying issues causing a dirty bottom should be treated by a vet as a priority and suitably managed to minimise risk.

Feeding a healthy diet will help optimise digestive health and help prevent obesity.
Mobility issue should also be investigated by a vet and suitably managed.
There are a number of flystrike products available, both from your vet and also reputable retailers. These generally affect the life cycle of the fly by stopping egg development and repel too.

Using a flystrike prevention product alongside housekeeping and health management should ensure the risk is significantly reduced.

Vigilance and swift action is essential throughout the fly season.

Help! I Think My Rabbit Has Flystrike. What Do I Do??

Firstly, do NOT panic. Breathe!

Then phone the vet to advise you have an animal with a flystrike emergency that needs vet attention right away. 

Pick off all those eggs/maggots you can see using tweezers (if possible) to reduce any further injury and get your rabbit to the vet asap.

It is advised the area is NOT washed as this can make it harder for the maggots/eggs to be located and removed.

In addition to pain relief from your vet, your rabbit will need much therapy and care once all the maggots and eggs have been removed (fur may be shaved to help with this), and may be hospitalised to help prevent against shock.

Veterinary intervention must be sought if flystrike is found or suspected - your little ones' life may depend on it.