Same working day dispatch on orders before 3pm
Free delivery on orders over £40
By subscribing, you save an extra 7.5%
Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as Barber Pole worm, is one of the most damaging gastrointestinal parasites of sheep and goats. This blood-feeding worm can cause anaemia, poor growth, loss of condition and bottle jaw. Heavy infections can also cause sudden death.
Animals may appear healthy while worm burdens build. As a result, Haemonchus can affect health and productivity before obvious clinical signs appear.
Routine faecal egg counts play an important role in parasite monitoring. However, Haemonchus contortus eggs look very similar to other strongyle-type eggs under the microscope. Routine microscopy cannot reliably identify Haemonchus contortus from its eggs alone. A worm count can therefore measure a strongyle-type burden without confirming which species is responsible.
Our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test detects DNA from Barber Pole worm in a faecal sample. This molecular test provides species-specific identification when you need to investigate a strongyle-type burden further.
Identifying Haemonchus can help farmers and vets make more informed parasite-control decisions. It can support targeted treatment and reduce unnecessary worming. A targeted approach also helps protect anthelmintics and slow the development of resistance.
Our trained laboratory staff carry out the testing in our veterinary laboratory. We provide clear, easy-to-read results and free after-test advice when required.
We recommend this test for: sheep, goats and other susceptible ruminants when Barber Pole worm is a concern. It can be particularly useful after a worm count detects strongyle-type eggs. You may also consider testing when animals show signs such as anaemia, poor growth, loss of condition or bottle jaw.
Why we recommend this test: qPCR identifies Haemonchus contortus specifically, which routine microscopy cannot do. This gives you and your vet more information to guide treatment and parasite management.
Our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test provides species-specific molecular detection of Barber Pole worm. It is particularly useful when a routine faecal egg count has identified a strongyle-type burden and confirmation of Haemonchus is required.
Testing is undertaken in Wormcount.com’s veterinary laboratory using qPCR by trained laboratory staff. Results are reviewed before issue, and free after-test advice is available where required.
This test is relevant to sheep, goats and other susceptible ruminants where Barber Pole worm is a concern.
The result reports whether Haemonchus contortus DNA was detected in the submitted sample. It is a species-specific molecular test and should be used alongside the overall faecal egg count when you also need to understand the wider strongyle burden. A positive result confirms the target parasite was detected; treatment decisions should consider clinical status and veterinary or adviser guidance.
qPCR testing is completed, reviewed and issued within 5 working days of arrival into the laboratory. This test must be used before the published use by date on the lab request form, due to reagent stability. The usage window will be at least 6 weeks from the point of order, athough we will always provide as long as is possible.
This kit is for one animal and includes a recyclable padded return envelope, free tracked 24-hour return postage, a laboratory request form and instruction sheet, a recyclable sample collection box in a resealable write-on bag, a biodegradable second sealable bag and a biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon.
Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.
Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.
The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.
