FLY STRIKE

Fly Strike

Summer time is great, but with the heat comes a danger. ...FLIES. Not only are they annoying, but they can be a real health hazard to your rabbits.

Moisture, warmth, and odor attract flies. Flies will seek out open wounds, or fur that is dampened with urine or feces, looking for a place to lay their eggs. We can not totally eliminate flies in the rabbitry, so it is important to keep a watchful eye on your bunnies.

If flies do succeed in laying eggs on a rabbit you must act quickly. Once the maggots hatch and start to feed your rabbit could be in great danger. Maggots don't stop at the outside, but continue eating their way right into the healthy flesh. Once inside the flesh the maggots will produce a toxin that can cause fatal shock.

Often the affected animal is well taken care of but perhaps has had a bout of diarrhea that has left the bottom end of the bunny wet, or a sore that that has been overlooked. This is the perfect opportunity for fly strike to occur.

If you discover your rabbit is a victim of fly strike you must act quickly. If the infestation is small you can try plucking out the maggots by hand with tweezers, making sure the area is totally free of maggots, then apply antibiotic to the effected area. If the infestation is advanced it is best to take bunny into a Vet immediately, since advanced cases are prone to shock.

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