Flystrike (myiasis) is a life-threatening emergency in pet rabbits. Blowflies lay eggs on soiled or moist rabbit fur; the larvae hatch within 12–24 hours and rapidly eat into living tissue. Without immediate treatment, affected rabbits die within 24–72 hours. It is one of the most severe welfare emergencies in rabbit medicine.
Several factors make rabbits particularly susceptible to flystrike. Their caecotrophs (soft droppings that should be consumed directly from the anus) and urine can soil perineal fur if the rabbit is unable to groom adequately. Overweight rabbits cannot reach their perineum; dental disease prevents grooming; arthritis limits flexibility; diarrhoea or urinary incontinence causes persistent soiling. Any condition that causes perineal dampness dramatically increases flystrike risk.
Flystrike is most common during warm weather (April–October in the UK) when blowfly activity peaks. The green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) is the primary species involved. On warm days, eggs can hatch in as little as 12 hours, meaning that a rabbit that appeared normal in the morning can be severely affected by evening. During warm weather, owners should check their rabbit's perineum at least twice daily.
Early signs include restlessness, excessive grooming attempts, reluctance to move, and unusual postures. Visible maggots — white, worm-like larvae — may be seen in soiled or matted fur, particularly around the perineum, tail, and underside. A strong, unpleasant smell may be present. In advanced cases, the rabbit becomes profoundly depressed, hypothermic, and goes into shock. The welfare impact is extreme — larvae produce enzymes that liquefy tissue while the animal is fully conscious.
Flystrike is a veterinary emergency. Contact a vet immediately — do not attempt to remove larvae or treat at home. While awaiting veterinary care, keep the rabbit warm (hypothermia is common), do not feed or water (in case of anaesthesia), and carefully remove any visible surface maggots with tweezers without touching the wound. Veterinary treatment involves anaesthesia, complete larvae removal (often hundreds of larvae have penetrated wounds), wound cleaning and debridement, fluid therapy, pain relief, and antibiotics. Even with prompt treatment, survival is not guaranteed once tissue damage is extensive.
Veterinary-grade prevention products: Rearguard (cyromazine) applied to the rabbit's hindquarters and underside provides 8–10 weeks protection by preventing larvae from developing on the rabbit. It is the most effective preventive measure and should be used on all rabbits at risk during warm months.
Address predisposing conditions: Weight management, dental care, arthritis treatment, and management of gastrointestinal disease reduce perineal soiling risk.
Hygiene: Clean the hutch or housing daily. Soiled bedding removed promptly reduces fly attraction. Ensure the rabbit always has a clean, dry resting area.
Fly deterrence: Fine mesh over hutch entrances reduces fly access. Avoid placing hutches near compost heaps or other organic material that attracts flies.
Nutrition: A high-fibre hay-based diet promotes normal gut function and caecotrophy. Obesity-promoting diets should be replaced with hay, fresh vegetables, and limited pellets.
Flystrike is largely preventable with owner education. Rabbit welfare organisations including the RSPCA, RWAF, and individual veterinary practices all emphasise flystrike prevention in rabbit ownership guidance. Owners must understand the extreme urgency of any suspected flystrike — hours matter, and delayed treatment is often fatal.
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