Pet Care - FLY STRIKE – A Warning for Rabbit owners

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Fly strike is a potentially fatal condition which is prevalent in the summer when the weather is warm. Flies are attracted to the soiled fur around the rabbit’s bottom where they lay their eggs. These eggs can hatch quickly into maggots eating the flesh of the rabbit to survive. If the rabbit is not treated quickly it will die of shock; if your rabbit has this fly strike it must be taken to the vet immediately.

The solution is to prevent the rabbit getting a ‘sticky bottom’ in the first place. This is a sign that your rabbit is not getting the correct nutrition. Diets which contain too much dry pelleted food and fruit and not enough hay, grass, herbs and vegetables (fibre) can cause this problem. Overweight rabbits which cannot clean themselves or practice caecotrophy (eating their droppings) may also suffer.

Living quarters should be kept scrupulously clean and your rabbit should be checked daily.

For advice on changing your rabbit’s diet please ring the Burns helpline: 0800 083 66 96.