Fly Strike

WHAT IS FLY STRIKE ?

It is when fly maggots infest the skin. commonly seen in rabbits and can be life-threatening .

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES ?

Overweight rabbits that cannot clean themselves ,thus having a dirty bum like when they may have diarrhoea that stinks and attracts flies.These flies then lay eggs that hatch into maggots that infest the skin .

A dirty or unhygienic environment, cage or pen .

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?

• Foul smelling odour usually located at the back of your pets bum 
• Usually painful when touched .
• Owners will be able to see maggots on the skin and sometimes on the fur.
• There will be wounds 

WHAT CAN OWNERS DO TO PREVENT THIS ?

• Regularly clean the environment ,cages and pens of your rabbit.
• Control your pet's weight 
• Keep an eye out for diarrhea , as this is very dangerous for your bunny .
• Fly and insect control
• Regularly check your rabbit to see if there are any poops are stuck to their bum or for any wounds.

If you see any of the above mentioned signs please contact your nearest exotic savvy vet as soon as possible .