Frequently asked questions

Flystrike (‘myiasis’) is a major welfare problem that mainly occurs during warm weather. It’s a painful condition that can affect rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and dogs as well as farm animals such as sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas.

Even clean, well-kept animals can get flystrike. It only takes one fly and one area of soiled fur/fleece or damaged skin!

Flystrike occurs when certain species of fly lay their eggs on another animal. These eggs hatch into maggots that then begin to eat the animal’s flesh. Flies are attracted by soiled or wet fur/fleece, often around the animal’s rear end. However, any area of the body can be affected, as can any wound, cut or scratch. Flystrike causes serious pain and suffering and it can be fatal.

When does flystrike occur?

Flystrike can occur at any time of the year, but in the UK animals are particularly at risk between April and October when the weather is warmer.

Which animals are most at risk?

Animals that have a dirty rear end or generally dirty fur/fleece. Causes can include:

• Long-haired animals that may not be able to groom themselves thoroughly without human intervention.
• Obese/overweight and older animals that cannot reach round easily to clean themselves.
• Animals with dental, spinal or balance problems, which make cleaning difficult or painful.
• Animals that are ill, as they may not feel well enough to clean themselves thoroughly and, depending on their illness, may also produce abnormally smelly urine or have diarrhoea, which will attract flies.
• Animals that have an inappropriate diet.
• Animals that have an internal parasitic infection.
• Animals with an open wound anywhere on the body.
• Unshorn sheep of woolly breeds.

Prevention is better than cure!

Animals at risk of flystrike should be inspected twice a day during the months above. Their body should be checked all over, especially around the rear end where the fur/wool can become contaminated with droppings and urine.

Flystrike can occur in a matter of hours. Because the toxins released into the bloodstream by the maggots can cause the animal to go into toxic shock, death can result very quickly if flystrike is not spotted and treated rapidly.

Owners/stock-keepers should discuss with their vet the most appropriate ways of reducing the risk of flystrike before the high-risk period starts.

Find out more about preventing flystrike in pets

Find out more about preventing flystrike in farm animals

What should I do if I suspect flystrike?

If an animal becomes infested, it should be examined by a vet immediately or, if this is not possible, seek immediate veterinary advice.

Is flystrike treatable?

If caught early, flystrike can be successfully treated, but success depends upon how much damage the maggots have done and if your vet considers your animal to have a reasonable chance of recovery. After treatment, wounds can take several weeks to heal. During this time, your animal will be at increased risk of further bouts of flystrike and infection, so it will require careful nursing and additional preventative measures should be taken.