RABBIT lover Amy Hasler is warning pet owners to be on guard against a nasty disease.

Amy contacted the Journal after her pet rabbit, called Chicken, contracted flystrike.

Returning home from work last week Amy found that a graze on the rabbit's back had become infected with the condition.

Flystrike, also known as myiasis, occurs when flies land on an animal and lay eggs.

These hatch into maggots that feed on the animal's flesh.

Amy said she noticed the fur on Chicken's back had become wet and brown. Finding further evidence of the disease she contacted the vet.

She warned that while not necessarily fatal, flystrike must be taken very seriously.

The damp, humid summer atmosphere makes for the perfect condition in which flies can breed and spread the disease. It is common among rabbits but can affect any animal.

Diana Lewis, of North Devon Animal Ambulance, warned: "Anything that has a tiny wound and cannot clean that wound, in these weather conditions, could catch flystrike."

She said pet owners, especially those with rabbits, should frequently check the underside of their animals.

Amy said Chicken, who also fought off myxomatosis last year, is recovering well.

Vet Simon Thompson, from Charter Vets in Roundswell, said: "Fly strike can occur very quickly over a few hours. It is best prevented by cleaning any soiled areas of the rabbit hutch daily and cleaning the hutch out completely once or twice a week.

"Check your bunny's bottom twice daily during the summer months, wash and dry any soiled fur. Consider application of Rear Guard which is a product you sponge onto the fur to prevent fly eggs developing into maggots."