What should I do if my pet eats Fly Strike (Myiasis) in Rabbits: Prevention & Emergency Care?

If your pet has ingested this substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Have information about your pet's weight, the substance ingested, estimated amount, and time of ingestion ready. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

What are the symptoms of Fly Strike (Myiasis) in Rabbits: Prevention &...?

Symptoms vary based on the amount ingested and individual pet factors. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in urination or behavior. Severe cases may involve tremors, seizures, or collapse. Review the detailed symptom timeline in this article and contact a veterinarian immediately if you observe any concerning signs.

Rabbit Care Extreme (Emergency)

Fly Strike (Myiasis) in Rabbits: Prevention & Emergency Care

Published: 2026-06-02 · Updated: 2026-06-02

Quick Take

What Is Fly Strike?Fly strike (myiasis) is the infestation of living tissue by blowfly larvae (maggots). Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) is the primary vector. Flies are attracted to soiled fur, urine scalding, and fecal contamination around the perineum. Eggs hatch...

⚠ Toxicity Profile

Danger Level	Extreme (Emergency)
Toxic Dose Limit	Varies mg/kg
Target Organ	Multiple Organs

What Is Fly Strike?

Fly strike (myiasis) is the infestation of living tissue by blowfly larvae (maggots). Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) is the primary vector. Flies are attracted to soiled fur, urine scalding, and fecal contamination around the perineum. Eggs hatch within 8-12 hours at summer temperatures; first-instar larvae begin feeding on living tissue within 24 hours.

Risk Factors

Obesity (cannot reach cecotrophs to clean perineum)
Dental disease (reduced grooming)
Arthritis (limited mobility and self-cleaning)
Diarrhea or urine scalding (attracts flies)
Open wounds or skin infections

Emergency Protocol

Fly strike is a genuine veterinary emergency. Do not attempt to remove maggots at home — larvae burrow deeper than visible. Keep rabbit warm, cover affected area with a clean cloth, and transport to vet immediately. Veterinary treatment involves sedation, clipping, debridement, and systemic ivermectin.

🔬 Pet Toxicity Risk Evaluator

Enter your pet's weight and the estimated amount consumed to assess toxicity risk — calculated locally in your browser.

Pet Weight (kg)

Amount Consumed (grams)

🚨 If Your Pet Has Been Exposed

DO NOT WAIT for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Have your pet's weight, the substance involved, estimated amount consumed, and time of ingestion ready. The risk calculator above is an educational estimate only — individual animal responses vary based on age, breed, pre-existing conditions, and concurrent substance ingestion.

References & Further Reading

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Animal Poison Control FAQ. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal Health & Safety. fda.gov/animal-veterinary
National Institutes of Health, PubMed. Veterinary Toxicology Research Database. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Pet Poison Helpline. 24/7 Animal Poison Control Emergency Service. petpoisonhelpline.com

Citations are provided for educational reference. Content is reviewed periodically but does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet shows signs of illness, contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.