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Everything you need to know about Wormcount and our parasite testing service including ordering, sampling, testing and receiving your results.
A worm count can miss parasites for several reasons: some parasites shed eggs intermittently rather than continuously, immature parasites that have not yet reached egg-laying maturity will not produce detectable eggs, and some parasites (such as lungworm) do not shed eggs at all and require a separate larval detection test. This is why regular, repeated screening is recommended rather than relying on a single test. This is the same concept as blanket worming, where regular cycles are required because even worming treatments will often miss certain larval stages.
A faecal egg reduction test (FERT) is used to assess whether a worming treatment has been effective. It involves taking a worm count c. 3 weeks after treatment and comparing the epg results to the initial burden to determine the percentage reduction. A FERT is particularly valuable for identifying anthelmintic resistance, where certain chemical groups are no longer effective against the parasite burden present.
Testing before worming allows an evidence based choice. A risk based approach is recommended by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other leading veterinary bodies as part of the joint policy on responsible use of anthelmintics. A worm count indicates whether parasites are present and at what level before any treatment is given, meaning treatment is only used when the evidence supports it. This approach reduces unnecessary chemical use, helps slow anthelmintic resistance, and ensures the correct treatment is selected for the specific parasites found.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) advocates a risk-based approach to parasite control, recommending that as part of the assessment, owners test before treating rather than always relying on routine blanket worming. The BVA, alongside BSAVA, ESCCAP, and other organisations, supports the use of faecal egg counts as an evidence base for targeted treatment decisions. Routine worming without testing is increasingly recognised as contributing to anthelmintic resistance as well as negatively impacting the environment.
Testing and treating only when needed is increasingly considered the more responsible approach by leading veterinary bodies. Routine worming without testing means treatment is often given unnecessarily, which contributes to the development of anthelmintic resistance and exposes the animal to chemicals when they may not be required. A worm count provides the evidence needed to make an informed treatment decision.
Blanket worming (treating all animals routinely regardless of whether they carry a parasite burden) is no longer considered best practice because it contributes to widespread anthelmintic resistance. Resistance to several chemical wormer groups is already well-established in farm animals and is an increasing concern in companion animals and horses. Evidence-based, targeted treatment guided by faecal egg counts is recommended by the BVA, SCOPS, COWS, and RUMA.
Natural gut hygiene products are used by an increasing number of pet owners, either alongside or instead of chemical treatments. Whether chemical or natural products are used, the only reliable way to confirm that a parasite control regime is working is to carry out regular worm counts. A worm count checks the internal parasite burden and allows owners to assess whether their chosen approach is effective for their individual animal.
Targeted parasite control means testing first and treating only the animals that have a confirmed parasite burden, rather than treating all animals routinely. This approach is recommended by veterinary bodies including the BVA, SCOPS, and COWS because it reduces unnecessary chemical use, slows the development of anthelmintic resistance, and ensures each animal receives the most appropriate treatment for the specific parasites present.
No. Many animals carry significant parasite burdens without showing any obvious symptoms. Regular testing is recommended regardless of whether the animal appears well, as symptoms can be absent even when a meaningful burden is present. Testing proactively rather than waiting for symptoms allows earlier intervention and reduces the risk of a parasite burden going undetected and causing longer-term health problems.
Faecal egg counts are a well-established and reliable method of parasite detection, but no test can statistically be classified as 100% accurate. The main limitations include intermittent egg shedding patterns in some parasites, detection thresholds, and the possibility of a male-only worm population. For this reason, regular repeated testing is more informative than a single screen. One of the biggest risks to the sample integrity is sample collection instructions not being followed correctly by the owner prior to sending to the lab. As long as the sample is taken in accordance with the instructions we provide, Wormcount’s strict laboratory procedures and staff training ensure repeatable and accurate results from every sample received.
