Killer Fly Threat To Pet Rabbits

Every year, hundreds of pet rabbits are killed by flies. And as Easter – and warmer weather – approaches, the Rabbit Welfare Fund is warning rabbit owners to take steps to protect their bunnies. “It’s because of a condition called myiasis, or flystrike,” explained RWF vet Judith Brown, “Flies like to lay their eggs in warm, moist places - such as a bunny’s back end. The eggs then hatch into maggots. Some species of maggot can eat through the rabbit’s flesh and proceed to eat the rabbit alive, from the inside out. Affected rabbits can die in agony.” Rabbits that have difficulty keeping themselves clean tend to attract flies. Particular care must be taken if your rabbit is elderly; overweight; long-haired; or unwell with wounds, abscesses, dental problems, runny eyes, diarrhoea or loose stools. Rabbits owners should check their pet’s bottom at least once daily, especially in warm weather: pick up your pet carefully, then turn it over and look at the rear end to see if any eggs or maggots are present. If you find any maggots, ring your vet immediately (day or night) – this is an emergency. Owners of “high risk” rabbits – or who have survived an attack – must take additional precautions:

• Optimise your rabbit’s diet to prevent loose stools – ask your vet for more information.
   
• Clean cages regularly
   
• Check your rabbits bottom at least twice a day
   
• Fit flyscreens to hutches and runs
   
• Asking your vet about preventative treatments like “Rear guard”

Flystrike is preventable, and is treatable - but only if owners act fast. Vet Judith Brown says: “Prevention is better than cure. However, if flystrike does happen to your rabbit, take immediate action. If you leave it, the condition will not disappear - your rabbit will die”

• The Flystrike Campaign is The Rabbit Welfare Fund’s (RWF) Easter 2006 campaign.
   
• A free information leaflet, giving further information & prevention advice has been produced: send an SAE to: Flystrike, RWF, PO Box 603, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5WL.
   
• Or visit the Website: http://www.rabbitwelfarefund.co.uk

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