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Fly strike, fly blown and blowfly strike are all common names for a condition caused by flies. Fly strike is an infestation of fly larvae (maggots) on areas of an animal including the skin and in the body cavities. More common during the warmer months, flies will lay their eggs in dying tissue or near the rear end where urine and feces are located. It is the same concept where we have seen fly larvae feeding on a dead carcass only the larvae are feeding and growing in a live animal.

When the Cuterebra fly lays their eggs in the tissue of rabbits, it can become a medical issue known as Myasis, sometimes referred to as warbles. The Cuterebra fly lay one larva, usually in the neck area, and will appear as a lump with a small hole. This hole is where the larva breathes. The fly larvae in Fly Strike and Myasis will feed on the animal's tissue causing pain and can eventually lead to death. The condition is common in rabbits and sheep but can occur in any animal including humans. Fly Strike is more common in tropical and subtropical climates where conditions are perfect to flies.

SIGNS

The signs of Fly Strike are sometimes not noticeable because we may not be aware if our animal has a wound or if the flies lay their eggs in the animal's cavities, the last place we commonly look. By the time your pet has been infected, the damage is already occurring to their tissue.

*Boil type sore at infected area

*Swelling

*Discharge from the wound

*Meningitis

*Diarrhea and/or vomiting

*Problems with vision

If conditions are right, within 8 hours of the fly laying their larvae, the eggs will begin to hatch. The larvae which resemble a small white grub will feed on the skin leaving sores as they dig into the animal's tissue causing lesions. The maggots will cause infections in the animal which can lead to septicemia and can eventually lead to death.

TREATMENT

Your pet will need to be treated by a veterinarian to remove the maggots from the wound area. This process is usually accomplished with a simple pair of tweezers. The vet will also remove any remaining dead tissue and administer an antibiotic. If this ailment has affected a rabbit, get informed on the different antibiotics that are dangerous to rabbits. The treatment for Myiasis will require a simple surgery to remove the larva. Do not attempt to remove this larva yourself. If the larva sac is ruptured, deadly toxins can enter the rabbit's system possibly causing death.

PREVENTION

Since fly larvae feed on dead and infected tissue it is important to clean wounds regularly and cover the wounds if possible. If your pet spends most of the time outdoors, clean wounds regularly and watch for symptoms closely and if possible, bring your pet indoors. Always use a pet-friendly fly repellant on pets and livestock when flies are most prevalent.

Flies are attracted to a warm and moist environment. Keep your pet's environment free of fly-loving material such as decaying matter, manure and garbage. If your pet is having a bout with diarrhea, keep your pet's rear clean. The hair around the area may need to be clipped. Overweight pets may not be able to clean themselves properly. Keep pets bathed and clean and if they are overweight, you will need to help your pet stay properly cleaned especially near the rear end.

Flies are present in our environment no matter how vigilant we try to rid them from our world. They contaminate everything they touch and can spread disease to everyone including our furry friends. Fly strike may not be 100 percent preventable but it doesn't have to be a death sentence to our beloved pets. With treatment an animal can make a full recovery from fly strike but left untreated, the animal doesn't stand a chance against these body invaders.

Sources:
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/ 4-3/maggots.html http://livestockhealth.suite10 1.com/article.cfm/protecting_a nimals_from_fly_strike http://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/rese arch/insects/myiasis.html

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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