Can Flys Kill Rabbits?

If you are considering keeping a rabbit as a pet, you must be aware of the risk of flystrike. This disease is caused by flies laying eggs in dirty or infected fur and then developing into maggots. The larvae can infect the animal and cause it to die. It’s essential to act quickly to protect your pet.

Flystrike can be painful for your rabbit. You can treat it by removing maggots, cleaning the area and administering pain relief and antibiotics. The best way to avoid flystrike is to ensure that your rabbit is healthy and well cared for. Clean your rabbit’s cage and scoop soiled areas daily to eliminate flies.

If you notice a fly strike in your rabbit, you must act quickly. A fly larva can penetrate the rabbit’s skin and cause extensive damage. Your vet will likely need to administer antibiotics and fluid therapy to treat the infection. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned and debrided. You will also need to remove any urinary and faecal contamination to remove the fly’s attraction. You must then apply a dilute povidone iodine solution to the wound and clip surrounding hair to minimize trauma to the skin.

If you suspect flystrike in your rabbit, get it checked by your veterinarian. Some rabbit breeds are more susceptible than others to this disease. Those with arthritic joints or obesity are especially susceptible to flystrike. Their poor dental health and difficulty cleaning their bowels can also increase the risk. You should also make sure to clean your rabbit’s litter box regularly. You should also give your rabbit plenty of hay to keep it healthy. Hay contains fibre that helps their faeces pass normally and keeps dirt and flies from getting into their fur. You can also apply a commercial insecticide on the bottom of their bedding to prevent the spread of flystrike.