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Internal parasites are not limited to the more commonly tested species. Camelids, poultry, birds of prey, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals are all susceptible to a range of parasites that can affect their health, welfare and in serious cases, their survival. Without regular testing, many of these burdens go undetected until the animal is already unwell.
Wormcount provides accurate, laboratory-based parasite testing for a wide range of animals beyond our dedicated species hubs, posted directly to owners and keepers across the UK. Whatever you keep, our experienced laboratory team can help, and our in-house clinical team of Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) is available to guide you on the most appropriate test and support you with your results, free of charge.
Browse our tests for camelids, birds, rabbits and other small animals below. We offer both individual and group or flock screening options for many species. If your animal isn’t listed or you’re unsure which test is appropriate, please use our quick guide or get in touch. Our clinical team is experienced across a broad range of species!
Alpacas and llamas are susceptible to a range of gastrointestinal parasites, with Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) and Eimeria macusaniensis (Emac) among the most clinically significant. Barber pole worm is a blood-feeding nematode that can cause anaemia, bottle jaw, rapid weight loss and sudden death, particularly in younger or pregnant animals. Emac is a protozoan that can cause serious gastrointestinal disease in camelids, including severe diarrhoea, weight loss and debilitation, and is particularly dangerous in crias and immunocompromised adults. Our camelid worm count uses the Modified Stoll’s test (a more sensitive method than many alternatives) and reports to a sensitivity of 5 eggs per gram, enabling the early detection of even low-level infestations. Both individual and herd screening options are available, with herd kits covering up to five animals in a single pool sample.
From backyard chickens and ducks to birds of prey and exotic pet birds, all are susceptible to a range of internal parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, gapeworm (Syngamus trachea) and coccidia. Gapeworm is a particularly notable concern as, unlike most other avian parasites, it inhabits the trachea rather than the digestive tract. In heavy infestations, it can cause a potentially fatal windpipe blockage, with affected birds displaying characteristic neck-stretching and gasping alongside coughing, head shaking and loss of condition. Coccidia (Eimeria) can cause coccidiosis, characterised by blood or mucus in the stool, weight loss and anaemia. Both gapeworm and coccidia are screened for as standard on all of our avian worm egg counts. We offer both individual bird screens and flock pool sampling, where a representative combined sample from a group of birds is tested and results reported as a single group average.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other small companion animals are all capable of carrying internal parasites, though this is an area often overlooked by owners. Common findings in small animals include pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms and coccidia, and in some species these can cause significant gastrointestinal disturbance if left unmanaged. Our worm count test for rabbits and small companion animals is suitable for a range of small furry species and follows the same straightforward process as our other tests. Simply collect a fresh faecal sample, send it to our laboratory using the free tracked delivery included in your kit, and receive a detailed PDF report by email. Our worm egg screens also detect coccidia, excess lipids and microscopic food and fibre as standard, which can provide additional useful information about your small animal’s digestive health.
