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Parasites · Updated 2026-09-29

Flystrike in rabbits

Flies lay eggs on soiled fur and maggots eat into the skin — a rapidly fatal summer emergency.

Emergency veterinary attentionRabbitsGuinea pigs
Veterinary care setting for rabbits and guinea pigs

Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse
Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

  • Maggots around the tail
  • Wet, dirty bottom
  • Lethargy
  • Not eating
  • A strong smell

Causes and risk factors

Soiled fur from uneaten caecotrophs, obesity, dental disease, arthritis or dirty bedding.

How veterinarians diagnose it

Seen on examination; the vet checks for underlying causes.

Treatment and management

Clipping, removing maggots, pain relief, fluids and antibiotics under veterinary care.

Prevention

Check bottoms twice daily in warm weather, clean litter daily, keep rabbits slim and ask about fly-prevention products.

Outlook

Guarded; good if caught early.

Common questions

What are the signs of flystrike in rabbits?
Maggots around the tail; Wet, dirty bottom; Lethargy; Not eating; A strong smell.
What causes flystrike in rabbits?
Soiled fur from uneaten caecotrophs, obesity, dental disease, arthritis or dirty bedding.
How is flystrike in rabbits diagnosed?
Seen on examination; the vet checks for underlying causes.
How is flystrike in rabbits treated?
Clipping, removing maggots, pain relief, fluids and antibiotics under veterinary care.
Can flystrike in rabbits be prevented?
Check bottoms twice daily in warm weather, clean litter daily, keep rabbits slim and ask about fly-prevention products.
When should I contact a veterinarian?
Phone your vet immediately — do not bathe the rabbit first.