Same working day dispatch on orders before 3pm
Free delivery on orders over £40
By subscribing, you save an extra 7.5%
Our Farm Animal Herd and Flock Worm Count, also known as a faecal egg count (FEC), provides a practical and economical way to monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding across a group of farm animals.
This test is suitable for cattle, goats and pigs and allows faecal samples from up to 10 animals of the same species to be combined into one pooled sample for laboratory examination.
Regular faecal egg counting plays an important role in responsible parasite management. Testing can help identify parasite egg shedding within a herd or group, support more informed treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary use of anthelmintics.
Our trained laboratory team uses quantitative microscopy to examine the pooled sample for gastrointestinal parasite eggs and relevant coccidian oocysts. Where appropriate, findings are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) or oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces.
For the most useful results, animals included within the pooled sample should be of the same species and have similar characteristics, including:
Our laboratory examines the combined sample and provides one pooled group result, reflecting parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the material submitted. Individual results are not provided for each animal.
For larger herds or groups containing more than 10 animals, we recommend sampling at least 10% of the animals where practical. Additional pooled tests may be required to achieve suitable coverage.
Looking for sheep-specific testing? Our Sheep Worm Count Test is designed specifically for ovine parasite monitoring.
All samples are processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team. Clear laboratory results and free after test advice are included.
Our Farm Animal Herd and Flock Worm Count provides a cost-effective method of monitoring gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding across a group of farm animals, without the need to test every animal individually.
The purpose of pooled testing is to provide an overview of parasite egg shedding within a selected group at the time of sampling. This information can help farmers and veterinary professionals make more informed decisions about parasite monitoring, treatment and ongoing herd management.
Samples are examined in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts using quantitative microscopy. We screen for relevant gastrointestinal parasite eggs and coccidian oocysts, reporting the findings according to the animal species submitted.
Faecal material is collected from up to 10 animals of the same species and submitted together as one pooled sample.
Our laboratory thoroughly combines the submitted material and examines representative portions of the pooled sample using microscopy. Where appropriate, parasite eggs and oocysts are quantified to provide an indication of the level detected.
The findings are reported as one group result, representing the pooled sample rather than individual animals. Although this can provide a useful indication of parasite shedding within the group, it may not identify animals with unusually high or low individual egg counts.
Pooled testing can be particularly useful for:
This test is intended for group monitoring and does not replace individual testing where an animal is showing signs of illness, losing weight, experiencing diarrhoea or performing differently from the rest of the group.
A low or negative pooled egg count does not completely exclude parasite infection, as egg shedding may vary between animals and some infections may not be detectable by routine faecal egg counting.
Sheep require our dedicated Sheep Worm Count Test. This general farm-animal pooled test is not intended for companion animals or reptiles.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice from our laboratory team.
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.
Our Farm Animal Herd and Flock Worm Count is designed to examine a pooled faecal sample collected from up to 10 animals of the same species.
For the most representative results, we recommend collecting fresh faecal material from animals of a similar age, health status and management group. Ideally, each animal should contribute a similar quantity of faeces to the pooled sample.
Where possible, avoid collecting faeces contaminated with soil, bedding, water or other materials that could interfere with laboratory examination.
If your herd or group contains more than 10 animals, we recommend selecting animals that provide a useful representation of the wider group. For larger herds, sampling at least 10% of the animals may be appropriate, using additional pooled tests where required.
Concerned about an individual animal? If one animal is unwell, losing weight, has diarrhoea or is showing other signs of illness, we recommend testing that animal separately rather than including it in the pooled sample. Veterinary assessment should not be delayed where an animal is unwell.
Your laboratory report will provide one pooled group result, rather than individual parasite counts for each animal sampled.
If you are unsure about collecting a suitable pooled sample, please contact our laboratory team. We will be happy to provide advice before you begin.
Your Farm Animal Herd and Flock Worm Count Kit includes the materials needed to safely collect, package and return one pooled faecal sample from up to 10 animals of the same species to our laboratory for testing.
Please follow the collection instructions supplied with your kit carefully. Collect fresh faecal material from the selected animals, ensuring the pooled sample is representative of the group wherever possible.
Once collection is complete, securely close the sample container and complete the laboratory request form. Package the sample using the protective materials provided and return it promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
Our Farm Animal Herd Faecal Egg Count (FEC) Test provides a practical and cost-effective way to monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding across a group of farm animals. Also known as a herd worm count, this test uses pooled faecal samples to provide an overview of parasite levels within a selected group.
Suitable for cattle, goats and pigs, the test allows faecal material from up to 10 animals of the same species to be combined into one pooled sample for laboratory examination.
Regular faecal egg counting is an important part of responsible livestock parasite management. Testing can help identify parasite egg shedding, support informed treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary use of worming products.
With anthelmintic resistance becoming an increasing concern in livestock farming, a targeted approach to parasite control can help preserve the effectiveness of available treatments while supporting animal health and productivity.
Gastrointestinal parasites can affect the health, growth and performance of farm animals. Depending on the species and parasite involved, infections may contribute to reduced weight gain, poor body condition, diarrhoea or other health concerns.
A faecal egg count (FEC) measures the number of gastrointestinal parasite eggs present in a submitted faecal sample. Our laboratory uses quantitative microscopy to identify relevant parasite eggs and report findings as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, where appropriate.
Regular herd faecal egg count testing can help you:
Our Farm Animal Herd Faecal Egg Count Test allows samples from up to 10 animals to be combined and examined as one pooled sample. This offers a cost-effective alternative to testing every animal individually when monitoring a group with similar characteristics.
For the most useful results, animals included in the pool should be of the same species and have a similar age, health status, reproductive stage and management conditions.
Our trained laboratory team prepares the pooled sample and examines representative portions using quantitative microscopy. Findings are reported as one group level result, providing an indication of parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the submitted material.
The result represents the pooled sample rather than providing an individual parasite count for each animal. Where one animal is showing signs of illness or performing differently from the rest of the group, individual testing and veterinary advice may be more appropriate.
Our trained laboratory team examines the submitted pooled faecal sample for gastrointestinal parasite eggs and relevant coccidian oocysts. The organisms reported depend on the animal species submitted and the microscopic findings.
The laboratory examination may include:
Where appropriate, parasite eggs are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) and coccidian oocysts as oocysts per gram (OPG). Results indicate shedding in the submitted sample rather than the total number of parasites present in the animals.
Regular farm animal faecal egg count testing can help farmers and veterinary professionals monitor parasite shedding and make more informed decisions about livestock parasite management.
Rather than relying solely on routine worming schedules, testing provides laboratory evidence that can be considered alongside animal health, grazing or housing conditions, previous treatments and seasonal parasite risks.
A low or negative pooled egg count does not completely exclude parasite infection. Egg shedding can vary between individual animals, and some infections may not be detected through routine faecal egg counting, particularly during early stages of infection.
Faecal egg counts may also contribute to monitoring treatment effectiveness. However, assessing the response to worming requires an appropriate sampling strategy and correct post-treatment testing interval for the anthelmintic used.
All samples are processed in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts. We use quantitative microscopy to examine the pooled faecal sample, with findings reviewed before the laboratory report is issued.
We aim to complete and report faecal egg count results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory, during our normal working days of Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Your testing kit includes clear sample collection instructions, the materials needed to return your pooled sample and free Royal Mail Tracked 24 return postage.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after-test advice. If you have any questions about your results or would like guidance on further testing, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Testing sheep? Our Sheep Worm Count Test provides dedicated faecal egg count testing for ovine parasite monitoring.
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.
