Rabbits are unfortunately prone to flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs around the perineum (backside) and rump. When the eggs hatch, maggots proceed to eat the rabbit’s flesh, and death can result within 24 to 48 hours. Other pets, particularly longhaired cats, are also occasional victims.

Flies are attracted to the rabbit if he is inactive, or his bed or bottom are dirty; or any combination of the three. Prevention involves avoiding these factors where possible, and judicious application of products to prevent the development of the larvae (maggots) if necessary.

Rabbits become inactive if they are overweight, old or ill. Obesity can be prevented by feeding the rabbit mainly on grass, or dried grass (hay). Pelleted concentrate food such as Excel Suparabbit can be used as a supplement but an average rabbit only  requires about 2 teaspoonsful per day, if he has free access to grass or good quality hay. Mixed vegetables can also make up to 10% of the diet, eg cabbage, carrots etc. Monitor his weight regularly – just like other pets, you should be able to feel his ribs with light pressure and there should be no obvious rolls of fat. If your rabbit is inactive because of age, it is vital to keep his environment spotless at all times – make sure he has a toilet area well away from his sleeping area, and use Rearguard (about which more later). All rabbits should be examined for signs of illness daily – symptoms such as reduction in activity or loss of appetite will need a veterinary examination as soon as possible.

If the rabbit has a mucky bottom this will attract flies. Rabbits can develop urinary incontinence if they have an infection, and this requires veterinary investigation. They can get caked with faeces if they have arthritis, are overweight, or have teeth problems. This is because of the rabbit’s strange digestive system, in which the food passes through the gut once and is then re-eaten in order to allow full digestion and absorption of nutrients. The first ‘poo’ is called caecotroph and is passed at night and eaten direct from the rabbit’s bottom – so it follows that if he can’t get his head around to his bottom, or if his teeth are too crooked or painful to remove the caecotrophs, he will get mucky. Teeth problems can have a genetic basis but the main cause of dental disease is the wrong diet – so follow the guidelines above.

Rearguard is a prescription-only product available from the veterinary surgery. A whole bottle needs to be applied from the middle of the back to the tip of the tail, especially under the tail and between the hindlegs. It does not repel flies but stops the eggs developing into maggots, and it lasts for 8-10 weeks so will need to be reapplied throughout the summer and early autumn. 

So, to avoid flystrike in your rabbit, follow the guidelines below:

• Keep his hutch scrupulously clean; provide a litter tray if possible.
• Use a flystrip hung above the hutch if you see any sign of flies around or if flystrike has been a problem in the past.
• Feed the correct diet to avoid  obesity and teeth problems
• Check him daily for signs of illness or a mucky bottom
• Use Rearguard if he is in an ‘at-risk’ category, ie he is old, overweight, or has been flystruck before.