Protect Rabbits from Flystrike

[Tobi]

There is some helpful information on this page to protect pet rabbits from flystrike during the summer months:

https://www.facebook.com/GoodVetGuide/ph...=1&fref=nf

[Catherine]

That is really interesting and informative. We can't keep our rabbits outside because it gets too cold. I think our flies get killed off by the weather as well. That would be so hard on a rabbit.

Is this the same kind of fly that causes fly strike in sheep?

[LPC]

Yes, I believe so - or a similar type of fly. The saying is, "Prevention is better than cure". There is an excellent product called "Rearguard", which is expensive but could be used to protect vulnerable rabbits: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Novartis-Animal-...B004IA2DCG

I found some helpful advice here to supplement the valuable information Tobi has already given:
http://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rabbit-info/...in-rabbits

[Tobi]

I knew sheep get flystrike, but never realised before that rabbits get it too. So thought it would be good to post what I saw about it.

Also I didn't understand properly that some maggots eat healthy flesh. I had always thought they only eat necrotic tissue, so could never fully understand. But apparently there are different types of maggots.

Chickens can get flystrike too so I hear. And I think I remember a rescue video once about a dog with flystrike.

[Catherine]

Interesting articles, thank-you for posting them. I learned a lot more about what rabbits eat.

I also know now that my front garden may be a bee's paradise, but it would not be good for a rabbit.

I have never seen or heard of fly strike in Canada. I don't know if it is a farm thing here or if we don't have those particular flies.
It would be nasty for the rabbit if it happened.

[LPC]

Catherine, I just found this: http://www.sheepcanada.com/dealing-with-flystrike/

So sadly, Canada is not exempt. Probably the North Pole is exempt, LOL!

[Catherine]

The flies up north are very bad. Maybe the south pole is safe.

I see that the sheep in the article was in Medicine Hat. That is southern Alberta. I could see there being a problem there. The flies are very bad.

I don't know if Ontario has a problem with fly strike. I suppose it does. I wonder if they could rinse the sheep regularly with herbal teas that repel insects. They could at least spray the area where the flies lay their eggs.

It must be very unpleasant for the sheep.