Preventing fly-strike with F10^®

'Fly-strike' (myiasis) is the extremely distressing, and often fatal, condition whereby a fly lays eggs on an animal, which then hatch into maggots, which in turn burrow through the host's skin. It is most frequently seen in rabbits, but can affect any pet species, and usually happens during warm spring and summer months when flies are active and looking for a place to lay their eggs.

F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide is a powerful, easy-to-apply preventative which can be used on almost all pets (exceptions include cats and amphibians/aquatic life) to help keep them safe from the risk of fly-strike.

how can you prevent 'fly-strike'?

Flies are attracted to urine and faeces, in your pet's housing, and around their rear-end, if it is not kept clean. This faecal matter, and any wounds on your pet's skin, can be prime places for flies lay egg.

The time from the eggs being laid, to the maggots feeding on the pet's flesh, may only be a few days, and if pet owners are not vigilant this can be a common occurrence. With the right action, however, this is a preventable condition.

There are various steps which can be taken to prevent 'fly-strike'. Full advice is available on the websites of the RSPCA and Rabbit Welfare Association, but the following are some simple steps to take:

• Examine your rabbit every day, particularly the area around its bottom, always making sure that it is clean. A rabbit with diarrhoea or a dirty rear is at far greater risk as this will attract the flies.
• Avoid overfeeding greens, fresh grass and succulent vegetables as these often precipitate, or worsen, diarrhoea.
  
• Keep the hutch clean and disinfected. Use plenty of good quality absorbent bedding in your rabbit’s hutch and toilet area to avoid excess moisture collecting. Clean out any dirty bedding daily as clean bedding is less likely to attract flies. Make sure to regularly empty and disinfect the hutch using a highly effective, but animal friendly, disinfectant such as F10^®SC Veterinary Disinfectant.
  
• use F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide as a preventative action.
  

The benefits of using F10 Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide

F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide is a safe, effective and easy to use spray can be used as a preventative to reduce the risk to your pets from fly-strike.

It combines two elements to help to minimise the risk to your pets:

1. core active ingredients which provide a powerful antimicrobial, acting like a disinfectant to decontaminate the skin, fur or feathers, and eliminating the odour-producing bacteria which attract the egg-laying flies
2. an insecticide which is a strong repellent, so flies which do visit are far less likely to settle on your pet

F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide can be used on all animals except cats, and just 1-2 sprays every 4-5 days should be used for protection against fly-strike. See below for more information on using the product.

Consult your vet

If, despite your best efforts, your pet experiences fly-strike, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the quicker action can be taken, and the less serious the outcome may be, so check your pet regularly. Your vet will advise you on the right course of action.

Using F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide

Use F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide only as directed, and if unsure consult your veterinarian.

As an insect repellent with small animals

• Prior to use clean the site as required, ensuring all excess matter has been removed, especially when using around the rectal area
  
• Apply 1-2 atomiser spray pump actions from the 100ml bottle to an area of intact and non-inflamed skin. Do not exceed a cumulative total of 2 spray pump actions per kilogram of body weight.
  
• Repeat as necessary at 4-5 day intervals, or as recommended by your veterinarian, however the solution is water-soluble so should be reapplied if the animal is washed or exposed to rain.

For directions for use for other animals/situations, see the product information page.

It can also be used as part of the treatment if they are affected, but always consult your vet as soon as possible if your pet experiences fly-strike.

Other F10^® Products with insecticidal properties for prevention and treatment

These products have the same added insecticide as the Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide. This will repel flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and lice, so will keep animals safe from infestations while their condition is being treated.

More information about F10^® Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide

We are happy to help, and advise on the use of this product and its role in the prevention of fly-strike. Please contact us for any information.

The F10^® product range is developed and manufactured by Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd in South Africa.

Licensing of the F10^® Treatment Products

This veterinary medicine is legally marketed in accordance with the Exemption for Small Pet Animals, administered by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the UK. This Scheme applies to medicines for administration to a number of species which are kept exclusively as pets: - pigeons, cage birds (including birds of prey), tortoises, small rodents (including hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and rats), rabbits and ferrets.

These veterinary medicines may be used on other species, if in the opinion of the veterinarian, the product would be the most effective treatment for the indications presented.