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Veterinary care of rabbits with myiasis
Author(s) -
Cousquer Glen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.28.6.342
Subject(s) - myiasis , maggot , hatching , fly larvae , veterinary medicine , medicine , biology , ecology , larva
DOMESTIC rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) are often victims of fly strike or myiasis. Flies are attracted to lay their eggs on rabbits under various conditions and maggots hatching from these eggs then digest living tissue, in some cases causing considerable damage to the animal. The condition is extremely distressing for rabbit and owner alike. This article reviews the factors that predispose rabbits to fly strike, and discusses the examination, assessment and treatment of affected cases. Prevention is infinitely preferable and a range of potential control measures is also discussed.