Our Faecal Egg Count (FEC) test provides a practical and affordable way to assess the average gastrointestinal parasite burden within a group of farm animals. It is suitable for sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle.
Regular FEC testing supports effective parasite management. Instead of worming routinely, you can base treatment decisions on evidence. This approach helps maintain herd health, improve productivity, and reduce unnecessary chemical use.
This test is ideal for animals that live together and share similar characteristics, including being of the same species, similar age, comparable health status, and at a similar reproductive stage.
You may include up to 10 animals in one pooled sample. The laboratory analyses the combined sample and issues a single result that reflects the group’s average worm burden. If your group exceeds 10 animals, we recommend sampling at least 10% of the herd or flock to maintain reliable results.
FEC testing allows you to:
Target treatments only when necessary
Avoid overuse of anthelmintics
Slow the development of anthelmintic resistance
Support sustainable parasite control strategies
By testing before treating, you protect both current herd performance and long-term treatment effectiveness.
This service is for farm livestock only.
It is not suitable for companion animals, reptiles, equines, or individual animal diagnostics. These animals require individual testing. If you breed companion animals and need a tailored protocol, please contact our office for advice.
Each kit includes free outward postage and 24-hour tracked return delivery.
Order before 3pm, Monday to Friday, for free same-day dispatch via a 24-hour service.
If your request is urgent, contact us before sending your sample. We will provide a Unique Lab Reference number and clear instructions for direct submission to the laboratory.
The purpose of herd/flock screening is to economically determine if there is an internal parasite burden within the groups as a whole, at the time of taking the samples. If so, the species of parasite will be identified, so that targeted and appropriate treatment can be given to the group. Our herd/flock worm egg screen is very comprehensive, providing the same level of accurate identification as the individual worm egg screen, but is representative of the group. All the same worms and protozoa are screened for as in the individual screen.
Where a group of farm animals or avians of the same species, similar ages and similar health conditions are living together, a group sample is appropriate. Please note this is not a suitable procedure for companion animals or reptiles, who always require individual screens. If you are a breeder of companion animals, please contact the office to discuss the most appropriate testing regime.
In groups of over 10 animals, it is recommended to sample from at least 10% of the group. This screen is designed to test up to 10 animals (of the same species and ideally similar ages) per pool test.
The sample will be combined in the lab and several sub-samples will be tested individually, the results will then be averaged and reported as one single group average value.
The sample should be from as many of the 10 animals as possible. We suggest that one way to achieve this is to get the animals contained in a corner/pen for approximately 15 minutes and then release them, then collect approximately 10 x 3 gram samples from 10 different faeces in this area. Please note that the group result will be reported as one single group average. If you are particularly concerned about one individual, we would always recommend they are removed, tested and treated separately from the group.
This kit includes:
Maintaining flock health is critical for any farmer or smallholding, and managing internal parasites is a big part of that. Faecal egg counts (FECs) or worm egg count kits are essential for identifying and managing parasite burdens before they take a toll on animal performance.
Internal parasites including roundworms (nematodes), fluke (trematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and protozoans such as coccidia, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidia can all impact sheep health. Infections may be subclinical, where animals appear healthy but underperform, or more severe, leading to disease, weight loss, or even death in acute cases.
While antiparasitic drugs such as anthelmintics for gut worms, flukicides for liver and rumen fluke, and coccidiostats for protozoan infections remain a key part of treatment, they’re no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Resistance to wormers is now widespread across farms, making accurate diagnostics more important than ever to ensure effective and economically sound treatment choices.
Among all internal parasites, gut worms particularly roundworms are some of the costliest. In the UK alone, significant annual losses are reported due to reduced productivity and treatment costs. These parasites are typically ingested as larvae from pasture, leading to parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE), a condition that affects weight gain, meat quality, and wool yield.
Regular use of faecal egg count tests gives farmers the ability to monitor worm burdens with precision. These tests not only help decide if and when to treat, but also guide which anthelmintics are likely to be effective reducing the risk of using the wrong product and furthering resistance.
For more targeted testing, such as detecting the highly pathogenic Barber Pole Worm (Haemonchus contortus), the Haemonchus contortus Test offers specific and early detection.
Incorporating routine FEC testing into a broader parasite management strategy is vital. It helps preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments, improves overall flock performance, and protects the long-term sustainability of sheep farming operations.
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.
