🔎 What Is Flystrike?

Flystrike (myiasis) is a serious, life-threatening condition where flies—especially greenbottle or blowflies—lay eggs on damp or soiled rabbit fur. Within hours, eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into the skin, causing severe tissue damage, toxic shock, and death—sometimes in as little as 24 hours :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Why Rabbits Are So Vulnerable

• Warm weather increases fly activity—especially summer :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Dirty or damp fur near the rear from urine, diarrhea, or caecotrophs :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Reduced grooming ability due to obesity, arthritis, dental issues, or old age :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Outdoor or open housing exposes rabbits to flies :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Long-haired rabbits or those with dewlaps trap moisture and debris :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

👀 Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Early detection can save your rabbit’s life. Watch for:

• Sudden lethargy or hiding
• Lack of appetite
• Wet, matted, or foul-smelling fur around backside
• Visible eggs or maggots, red or ulcerated skin :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Pain behaviors: teeth grinding, hunching, cornering :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

This is ALWAYS an emergency—seek vet attention without delay :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}!

🏥 What Vets Do: Diagnosis & Emergency Treatment

Veterinary treatment includes:

1. Stabilization: Fluids, warmth, pain relief :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
2. Maggot removal: Sedation or anesthesia, clipping fur, removing larvae :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
3. Wound care: Cleaning, debridement, possibly surgery :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
4. Antibiotics & analgesia: To treat infection and relieve pain :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
5. Supportive care: Tube feeding, gut stimulants, fluids, monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Recovery can be intensive and prolonged. Sadly, severe cases may require euthanasia :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🛡️ Preventing Flystrike: Vet‑Approved 2025 Checklist

• Hygiene & Grooming: Daily checks, especially during warm months; clean damp fur :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Belly trims: For long-haired or dewlap breeds—clip fur under tail :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Clean dry housing: Change bedding daily, reduce humidity :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Diet control: High-fibre hay (85‑90%), limited pellets and fresh veg to avoid diarrhea :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Dental & health checks: Prevent grooming issues :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Spot‑on treatments: Veterinary products like Rearguard (cyromazine) every 10 weeks in summer :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Fly screens & natural repellents: Screens on hutches, plant mint or rosemary :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Regular checks: Inspect twice daily during high-risk seasons :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

✅ Daily Flystrike Prevention Routine

1. Morning & evening check of hindquarters
2. Wipe any damp fur immediately
3. Fast-drying, breathable bedding
4. Weekly belly trim for long-haired rabbits
5. Apply vet spot-on protection during fly season
6. Remove dirty bedding daily
7. Maintain good diet, regular vet visits

🐇 Who’s at Higher Risk?

• Older or arthritic rabbits
• Obese or long-haired breeds like Angoras
• Rabbits with dewlaps or large skin folds
• Rabbits with diarrhea or wet caecotrophs
• Outdoor rabbits without fly protection

These bunnies require extra vigilance and grooming :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

🩺 What to Do If You See Maggots

1. Stay calm and isolate rabbit.
2. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment.
3. Don’t attempt to remove maggots yourself.
4. Keep the rabbit warm, quiet, and dry.
5. Transport gently to your vet—flystrike is a code-red emergency :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

💬 Real Owner Experience

“Within two hours I noticed damp fur on the back end. Found a few tiny maggots—rushed to vet, got treatment. Vet said early action saved her life.”

Rapid spotting and professional care can prevent fatalities.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Flystrike is one of the most dangerous but preventable conditions in rabbits. With diligent hygiene, dry housing, clipping long fur, quality diet, veterinary spot-ons, and twice-daily checks—especially in summer—you can keep your bunny safe. And if you ever spot maggots, act quickly and seek veterinary help immediately.🐇❤️

🌟 Mentioned Services

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 vet chat support, emergency advice, and care follow-through.
• Woopf: Low-dust hay, drying bedding, and grooming kits for flystrike prevention.
• Purrz: Herbal mist sprays and grooming aids to keep your rabbit fresh and dry.