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Our Farm Animal Faecal Egg Count (FEC) provides a practical way to assess gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding within a group of farm animals.
The test is suitable for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and is designed for pooled group sampling.
It works best when the animals live together and have similar characteristics, such as:
You can include faecal material from up to 10 animals in one pooled sample. Our laboratory examines the combined sample and provides one result representing the average parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the group.
If the group contains more than 10 animals, we recommend sampling at least 10% of the herd or flock to obtain a useful overview of parasite levels.
Faecal egg counts can support a more targeted approach to parasite control and help reduce unnecessary use of anthelmintics.
Clear laboratory results and free after-test advice are included.
Our Farm Animal Herd and Flock Worm Count provides an economical way to assess gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding across a group of farm animals.
The purpose of herd or flock screening is to determine whether there is evidence of an internal parasite burden within the group as a whole at the time of sampling. If parasites are detected, our laboratory identifies the relevant findings and, where appropriate, quantifies the level present. This information can support more targeted parasite-control decisions for the group.
The pooled screen provides the same comprehensive microscopic parasite examination as our individual worm count, but the final result represents the group rather than an individual animal.
This test is suitable for groups of farm animals of the same species that live together and have similar characteristics. Ideally, animals included within the pool should have:
The test can include samples from up to 10 animals in one pool.
For groups containing more than 10 animals, we recommend sampling at least 10% of the herd or flock to provide a useful representation of parasite egg shedding within the wider group.
Our laboratory combines the samples submitted from the selected animals. We then examine several representative sub-samples using microscopy.
We combine the findings from these examinations and report them as one single group average result.
The result therefore represents average parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the group. It does not provide an individual result for each animal included in the pool.
This test is designed for farm-animal group screening and is not suitable for companion animals or reptiles. These animals require individual parasite screening.
Sheep are not included within this general farm-animal test. We offer a dedicated Sheep Worm Count Test designed specifically for ovine parasite monitoring.
If one animal appears unwell, has diarrhoea, is losing weight or differs significantly from the rest of the group, we recommend testing that animal individually rather than relying on the pooled result.
Clear laboratory results and free after-test advice are included.
Turnaround time: Our laboratory team issues faecal egg count results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory.
Sample collection: Collect fresh faecal material from the animals included in the pool and combine the samples according to the instructions supplied with the kit.
Group size: You can include samples from up to 10 animals in one pooled test.
For the pooled herd or flock test, the sample should represent as many of the selected animals as possible, up to a maximum of 10 animals per pool.
One practical way to collect a representative sample is to briefly contain the animals in a pen or corner for around 15 minutes. After releasing them, collect approximately 10 separate 3 g faecal samples from different fresh droppings within that area.
Where possible, aim to collect material that represents 10 different animals. This helps provide a more representative picture of parasite egg shedding across the group.
Our laboratory combines and examines the submitted material and reports the result as one single group average. The result does not provide an individual parasite count for each animal included in the pool.
If you are particularly concerned about one animal, we recommend removing that animal from the pooled group and testing it individually. This allows the result, and any subsequent treatment decision, to relate specifically to that animal.
This kit includes:
Our Ovine Worm Count Test, also known as a sheep faecal egg count (FEC), provides a practical way to monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding within your flock.
Regular faecal egg counting can support a more targeted approach to parasite control. Rather than worming routinely, results can help you decide whether treatment may be required and support more responsible use of anthelmintics.
Gastrointestinal worms can affect growth, body condition and overall flock performance. In some cases, sheep may carry significant parasite burdens before obvious clinical signs become apparent.
A faecal egg count measures the number of parasite eggs present in the submitted faecal sample. We report quantitative findings as eggs per gram (EPG), where appropriate.
Regular monitoring can help you:
Our trained laboratory team examines the faecal sample using microscopy. Findings may include:
Where appropriate, we quantify the parasite eggs or oocysts detected and report the findings as EPG or OPG.
Routine faecal egg counting may detect strongyle-type eggs, but microscopy alone cannot reliably determine whether those eggs are from Haemonchus contortus.
If Barber Pole Worm is a particular concern, our dedicated Haemonchus contortus test provides targeted testing for this parasite.
A faecal egg count provides information about parasite egg shedding at the time of sampling. The result should be considered alongside factors such as the age and condition of the sheep, grazing history, previous treatments and the time of year.
Faecal egg counts can also help assess whether a worming treatment has worked. However, post-treatment testing must be carried out at the correct interval for the product used.
Our laboratory team can provide guidance where required.
Our trained laboratory team examines each sample using microscopy and reviews the findings before issuing the report.
We issue worm count results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory.
Each test includes clear laboratory results and free after-test advice where required.
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.
