Companion Animals

Rabbit Flystrike Prevention: Summer Welfare

Flystrike (myiasis) in pet rabbits is a life-threatening emergency caused by blowflies laying eggs on soiled or wounded areas, with straightforward prevention available.

Key Facts

Blowflies can lay hundreds of eggs on a rabbit that hatch into maggots within hours
At-risk rabbits include those with dental disease, obesity, and reduced mobility preventing normal grooming
Preventive treatments including Rearguard provide protection for up to 10 weeks
Daily health checks in summer are essential for early detection of fly eggs before larvae develop

Welfare Considerations

Flystrike causes horrific suffering - maggots consume living tissue and can kill a rabbit within 24 hours. It is entirely preventable through daily checks, maintaining hygiene, treating underlying conditions that cause soiling, and using preventive preparations in summer. Negligence in prevention is a welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Check your rabbit's rear end daily during summer for fly eggs or early maggot activity
Apply Rearguard preventive treatment at the start of the summer season
Maintain hutch hygiene and treat any conditions causing excessive soiling promptly