Wolf Worms (Warbles / botfly) in Rabbits (How To Prevent and Treat Them)

Botfly larvae, also known as wolf worms, are disgusting parasites that no owner wants to see on their rabbits. Wolf worms in rabbits can be quite dangerous. Unfortunately, these nasty parasites sometimes do show up on our bunnies no matter how hard we try to prevent them.

Understanding how rabbits get wolf worms as well as how to treat them will play a key role in helping you better understand how to deal with them better.

Rabbits are fine to live outdoors, right? With a high-quality enclosure, the very best bedding, and nutritious food, one would think that it would be okay for rabbits to stay outdoors. This, unfortunately, is not the case.

Along with the dangers of hungry coyotes and itchy fleas, one of the more terrifying afflictions that an outdoor rabbit can suffer from is warbles, also known as wolves, or wolf worms.

In this article, we will talk about wolf worms, how they get into rabbits, and how to treat them.

But first, what are wolf worms?

What are Wolf Worms?

Wolf worms, also known as botfly larvae or warbles are disgusting parasites that affect and cause a lot of pain and infection to cats, rabbits, rats, squirrels, and other rodents. Wolf worms are technically the immature versions of adult bot fly (larvae). When the host (rabbit, cat, e.t.c) gets into contact with adult bot flies, the bot flies would lay their eggs on the host which will start to grow and later own exit as wolf worms from openings such as the host’s nose, wound or even their eye.

Check out our article piece that covers wolf worms in detail.

Wolf worms will start becoming visible in the host’s body approximately 4 weeks after the first contact with the bot fly eggs. They’ll normally appear as an inflamed lump with a hole at the top to allow for the warble to breathe.

Let’s now look at how rabbits actually get wolf worms and how you can treat and prevent them from affecting your rabbits.

How Do Rabbits Get Wolf Worms (Warbles / Botfly)?

Wolf worms are very common in rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents. It’s normally transmitted from botfly larvae. Botfly larvae are internal parasites that grow mostly on the host’s flesh, or in some instances on their guts.

Rabbits get wolf worms when they get in contact with botfly larvae. This may occur when a botfly lays their eggs on its skin or when they come into contact with their eggs or larvae.

Wolf worms are the larval stage on the botfly, or Cuterebra, and can cause serious harm in rabbits.

The larvae are then able to burrow themselves into the rabbit’s skin. This later leads to a nasty bug growing within the defenseless bodies of bunnies. Turning out into a dangerous wolf worm infestation on your rabbit if not treated early enough.

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How Can You Tell If Your Rabbit Has Wolf Worms (Warbles / Botfly)?

It’s hard to detect a wolf worm infestation in rabbits in the early stages. It is only when the wolf worm begins growing that infestation becomes apparent.

During wet weather, a female botfly may lay her eggs directly on a rabbit or the rabbit may pick it up from surrounding surfaces. Once the egg hatches it will burrow into the rabbit’s skin.

Botfly larvae are parasitic and need to burrow into the tissues of the host to survive. Rabbits aren’t the only animals infected. Almost any mammal in a region where botflies are common is at risk from wolf worms.

Larger mammals may not even notice a botfly strike, but smaller mammals, like rabbits, can suffer severely from a single wolf worm.

Once the wolf worm begins to grow, a lump will appear on the rabbit’s skin. Now is when the hallmark round hole associated with wolf worms occurs. These holes allow the wolf worm to breathe. These holes are at high risk for infections.

A rabbit can suffer from a single wolf worm or multiple at the same time.

These lumps appearing on rabbit’s skins that use as botfly larvae breathing spores are a clear indication of the existence of wolf worms in rabbits.

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How Do You Treat Wolf Worms (Warbles / Botfly) in Rabbits?

The number one thing to remember when dealing with wolf worms in rabbits is to never attempt extraction yourself! If a wolf worm is ruptured it will release a toxin into the rabbit’s system that can easily prove fatal.

A veterinarian must inspect any suspected wolf worm site. Depending on the nature of the infestation and whether or not the wound from the wolf worm appears to be infected, the vet can choose to remove the worm or leave it.

If the wolf worm is causing serious damage to the rabbit, such as being near an eye, it may be appropriate to remove it. Since removal is such a delicate procedure, it can only be attempted by a veterinarian.

If the rabbit doesn’t seem to be suffering from the wolf worm infestation, the larvae seem close to emerging, and no infection from the affected area is present, then the vet may choose to let the wolf worm exit on its own. 

Trying to get the wolf worm out before it emerges isn’t always worth the risk of rupturing.

In both removal and natural emergence, a wound will be left behind that needs to be treated. Twice daily cleaning is the most important step in the treatment of wounds left by wolf worms.

In some instances, surgery may be required to close the injured sites left behind by the wolf worms. This is most likely to happen in cases where the injuries left by wolf worm becomes more severe.

Oral or topical antibiotics may also be prescribed by your vet to aid in the treatment process.

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How To Prevent Wolf Worms (Warbles / Botfly) in Rabbits?

Botflies are most common during the wet season. Botflies just need a few minutes on your rabbit to cause them harm.

It’s therefore, recommended to keep your rabbits indoors during botflies season. This includes building your rabbit hutch indoors with very fine screens that won’t allow entry of any botflies hence preventing them from laying their eggs on your rabbit. Their houses also need to be cleaned thoroughly regularly just in case they carry any larvae from being outdoors.

If you are to allow your bunny friend in the open, you should also consider clearing any bushes or thickets to prevent your rabbit from getting in contact with botflies larvae.

You should also clean your bunny with a flea comb before taking them back indoors. This will help in kicking out any botfly larvae that might have been in contact with your rabbit.

Regular check-ups from your local vet should also help with identifying and treating wolf worm infestation early enough before it’s too late.

Final Thoughts

Any outdoor rabbit is at risk for wolf worms, also known as botfly larvae or warbles. These worms can be dangerous to your rabbit and any suspected botfly strike should be examined by a veterinarian for proper care. Never try to remove a wolf worm from your rabbit on your own.

To prevent your little cute bun from getting infected by the dangerous wolf worm, it’s recommended to keep them indoors as you’ll be more likely to prevent botflies from getting to your bunny friend.

Outdoor rabbits are mostly affected due to the open nature of their pet house that can easily be accessed by botflies or get into contact with their larvae.