Introduction
Flies are not only pests to humans but also just as annoying to pet rabbits. Although we generally think of flies as a nuisance, they can be a dangerous threat to the health of your rabbit. Rabbits that are housed outside have an increased risk of developing a sickness called fly strike. Fly strike is an illness, also termed myiasis, which occurs when flies lay their eggs on another animal such as a rabbit. These eggs hatch into maggots and then proceed to eat away the surrounding flesh. Many species of flies are attracted to areas of flesh that are open and sore, as well as to areas that contain matted fur with fecal matter. Myiasis is a painful condition that can be disastrous for the health of your rabbit. If these conditions are observed, the infected rabbit should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Common locations for fly strike are neck, chin, or behind the front leg.
Causes
There are multiple causes of fly strike. Many of these causes can be avoided by proper hutch cleaning, proper nutrition, and daily observation. Flies will be most attracted to moist, wet, or dirty areas to lay their eggs. The factors that increase the occurrence of fly strike include:
• Fecal matter stuck to fur
• Obesity
• Rabbits that are unable to clean themselves properly
• Wounds and diseases
• Dirty, wet cages
• Moist food stuck to fur
Signs
Early detection of myiasis is crucial to the longevity of your rabbit. Owners must regularly inspect their rabbits for general signs of health. The signs associated with myiasis are as follows:
• An increase in the number of flies around your rabbit’s housing area
• Questionable odor coming from your rabbit
• Fly eggs and/or maggots on your rabbit
• Wet, irritated skin
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Protruding lumps in flesh
Prevention
The best way to prevent fly strike in your rabbit is to continually monitor the quality of your rabbit’s health. This includes the condition of your rabbit’s flesh, the hutch, and nutritional program. Fly strike can easily be prevented by practicing the following habits:
• Feeding a proper diet to prevent obesity
• Using an animal-safe insect repellent
• Keeping wounds clean
• Cleaning the housing area regularly
• Grooming your rabbit frequently
Treatment
Rabbits that have developed myiasis will need to be examined by a veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to remove the larvae yourself. Larvae will break easily, and dead or decaying larvae often lead to allergic response and possible death. To treat the condition, a veterinarian will first need to kill the fly larvae living on your rabbit. The veterinarian will then remove all of the dead tissue to allow for healthy skin growth. Most veterinarians will prescribe medication and topical treatment that will help the rabbit in the healing process. It is important that you keep the healing area and the rabbit’s environment clean so that the condition does not reoccur.
Lisa Karr-Lilienthal, Ph.D. & Amanda Young - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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