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Everything you need to know about Wormcount and our parasite testing service including ordering, sampling, testing and receiving your results.
Reptiles can pick up parasites through several routes: herbivores such as tortoises may accidentally ingest parasite eggs via contaminated food, water, or substrate; carnivores and omnivores such as snakes and lizards typically become infected through their prey; and parasites can also spread through shared enclosures or contaminated equipment. Any reptile with access to live food, outdoor environments, or unwashed fresh food is at higher risk.
Bearded dragons are omnivores and, particularly if fed live food, should be tested for parasites at least every three months. Coccidia and pinworms are common findings in bearded dragons and can cause significant health problems at higher burden levels. Wormcount’s standard reptile parasite test is suitable for bearded dragons and detects a broad range of parasitic organisms.
Some reptile parasites and bacteria can pose a zoonotic risk. Salmonella, for example, is commonly carried by reptiles asymptomatically and can be transmitted to humans through handling. Cryptosporidium species found in reptiles are generally host-specific and considered low risk to humans, but good hygiene practices (including thorough handwashing after handling reptiles or their equipment) are always recommended.
SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) recommends that worm egg counts are carried out every two to three weeks during the grazing season as part of a targeted selective treatment programme. Testing before treatment confirms whether treatment is needed and helps identify which animals require worming, avoiding unnecessary blanket treatment and reducing the development of anthelmintic resistance.
COWS (Control of Worms Sustainably) guidance recommends that cattle are tested for worm burden two months after turnout and at least again in the middle and end of the grazing season. Regular testing allows targeted treatment decisions based on actual parasite burdens rather than routine blanket dosing, helping to preserve the efficacy of available anthelmintic products.
Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as barber pole worm, is one of the most clinically significant parasites affecting sheep and goats in the UK. It is a blood-feeding nematode that can cause rapid anaemia, bottle jaw, sudden weight loss, and death, particularly in lambs and pregnant ewes. It has a high capacity for developing resistance to anthelmintic treatments, making species-specific detection via qPCR testing increasingly important for targeted management.
For a flock or herd pool sample, collect fresh faecal samples at random from up to ten animals of the same species, similar age, and similar health status. The best method is to contain the animals in a pen for approximately 15 minutes, then collect up to ten fresh samples from different animals after release. Avoid collecting samples that have been lying on the ground for an unknown time. The combined sample is homogenised in the laboratory and results are reported as a single group average.
Wormcount is an independent UK veterinary diagnostic laboratory specialising in faecal parasite screening for all animal species. It was founded in 2008 and although significantly expanded, it remains a family-connected, independently run business. The laboratory is based in Northampton and operates its own purpose-built testing facility, carrying out all analysis in-house with a team of trained laboratory analysts and qualified clinical advisers on site.
Wormcount is an independent veterinary laboratory that carries out all testing in its own purpose-built facility. It is not a reseller and does not sub-contract testing to third-party laboratories. All samples are processed by Wormcount’s own trained and trusted analysts, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy across every result.
No. All testing at Wormcount is carried out entirely within its own purpose-built laboratory by its own trained analysts. Wormcount does not sub-contract or outsource any part of the testing process to third parties, ensuring that every sample is processed to the same consistent standard.
