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Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as Barber Pole worm, is one of the most significant gastrointestinal parasites affecting sheep and goats. This blood-feeding roundworm lives in the abomasum and can cause anaemia, poor growth, weight loss, reduced body condition and bottle jaw (fluid swelling beneath the jaw). Severe infections can be life-threatening.
Infected animals may initially show few obvious signs, allowing parasite burdens to increase before health or productivity is noticeably affected. Unlike some other gastrointestinal worms, significant Haemonchus infections may cause severe anaemia without diarrhoea.
Routine faecal egg counts (FEC) play an important role in monitoring gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats. However, Haemonchus contortus produces eggs that are very similar in appearance to those of other strongyle-type worms.
Routine faecal egg count microscopy cannot reliably distinguish Haemonchus contortus from other strongyle-type parasites based on egg appearance alone. A worm count can therefore indicate the level of strongyle-type egg shedding without confirming which parasite species is responsible.
Our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test provides targeted molecular testing to detect Haemonchus contortus DNA in a submitted faecal sample. This allows us to investigate the presence of Barber Pole worm specifically, providing additional information beyond a routine worm count.
Our laboratory uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a sensitive molecular technique designed to detect specific genetic material from Haemonchus contortus.
Unlike conventional microscopy, which identifies parasite eggs by their appearance, qPCR detects DNA associated with the target parasite. This provides a more specific method of investigating whether Barber Pole worm genetic material is present in the submitted sample.
Results are reported as Detected or Not Detected, with a quantification cycle (Cq) value provided where DNA is detected. The Cq value offers an indication of the amount of target DNA present but does not directly measure the number of adult worms or establish the severity of infection.
Our Barber Pole Worm qPCR Test is suitable for sheep, goats and other susceptible ruminants where Haemonchus contortus infection is a particular concern.
Testing may be particularly useful when:
Important: Animals showing marked weakness, pale mucous membranes, bottle jaw or other signs of significant anaemia should receive prompt veterinary attention. Laboratory testing should not delay necessary assessment or treatment.
Identifying Haemonchus contortus can help farmers and veterinary professionals make more informed decisions about parasite control. Species-specific testing provides additional information that can be considered alongside faecal egg counts, clinical signs, grazing history and previous treatments.
A targeted approach to parasite management can help reduce unnecessary anthelmintic use while supporting animal health and productivity. Responsible treatment decisions are also important in helping to slow the development of anthelmintic resistance.
A positive qPCR result indicates that Haemonchus contortus DNA was detected, but does not independently establish the number of living worms present or whether treatment is required. A negative result does not completely exclude infection, particularly where parasite material is absent from the sample or present below the detection limit.
All samples are processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team at www.wormcount.com Veterinary Laboratory. Our targeted molecular testing provides clear results to support the investigation of suspected Barber Pole worm infection.
Your laboratory report includes the qPCR result, a Cq value where applicable and relevant interpretative comments to help explain the findings.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your results or require guidance on further testing, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test provides targeted molecular testing for Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as Barber Pole worm. This blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasite can affect sheep, goats and other susceptible ruminants, potentially causing anaemia, poor condition and significant health problems.
The test is particularly useful where a routine faecal egg count (FEC) has identified strongyle-type eggs and further investigation is required to determine whether Haemonchus contortus is present.
Routine microscopy cannot reliably distinguish Haemonchus contortus eggs from those of other strongyle-type worms. Our qPCR test uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect DNA specific to Haemonchus contortus in the submitted faecal sample, providing additional information beyond a conventional worm count.
This test requires a fresh faecal sample from one animal, collected using the materials supplied with your kit. Please follow the collection instructions carefully and avoid contamination with soil, bedding, water or other materials that may interfere with molecular testing.
Once collected, securely package your sample and return it promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service included with your kit.
Our Barber Pole Worm qPCR Test is suitable for sheep, goats and other susceptible ruminants where Haemonchus contortus infection is suspected or species-specific investigation is required.
It may be particularly useful following a positive strongyle-type faecal egg count, where Barber Pole worm has previously been identified or where animals are showing signs that could be associated with infection, such as anaemia, weakness, poor growth or bottle jaw.
Animals showing signs of significant anaemia or illness should receive prompt veterinary attention rather than waiting for laboratory results.
All samples are processed at www.wormcount.com Veterinary Laboratory by trained laboratory staff using targeted qPCR technology. Results are reviewed before a clear laboratory report is issued.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice to help you understand the findings and whether further veterinary assessment or testing may be appropriate.
Your Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test report confirms whether DNA from Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole worm) was detected in the submitted faecal sample.
Our targeted molecular testing provides species-specific detection, helping distinguish Haemonchus contortus from other gastrointestinal strongyle-type worms that cannot be reliably differentiated by routine faecal egg count microscopy alone.
Detected: DNA from Haemonchus contortus has been identified in the submitted sample. This provides molecular evidence of the target parasite but does not directly establish the number of living worms present or the severity of infection.
Not Detected: No Haemonchus contortus DNA was detected in the submitted sample. However, a negative result does not completely exclude infection, particularly where parasite material is absent from the sample or DNA levels are below the detection limit.
Where Haemonchus contortus DNA is detected, we also report the quantification cycle (Cq) value.
The Cq value provides an indication of the amount of target DNA detected in the sample. Lower Cq values generally indicate greater quantities of detectable DNA. However, Cq values do not directly measure adult worm numbers, parasite burden or the severity of infection.
This is a species specific molecular test and does not measure the wider gastrointestinal strongyle burden. Where quantitative information about overall parasite egg shedding is required, we recommend using this test alongside a routine faecal egg count (FEC).
Results should be considered alongside the animal’s clinical signs, body condition, grazing history and previous treatments. A positive qPCR result alone does not determine whether treatment is necessary or which anthelmintic should be used.
Every report includes clear laboratory findings, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice. Where significant clinical concerns are present, we recommend discussing the results with your veterinary surgeon or livestock health adviser.
Our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test is normally completed, reviewed and reported within 5 working days of the sample arriving at our laboratory.
Each sample undergoes targeted molecular testing to detect Haemonchus contortus DNA. Once testing and quality checks are complete, the findings are reviewed and a laboratory report is prepared.
Laboratory opening hours: Testing is undertaken Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Our stated turnaround times are calculated from the date your sample arrives at our laboratory and do not include postal transit time.
Due to the stability requirements of certain testing components, your kit must be used before the use by date printed on the laboratory request form.
We guarantee a minimum use by period of 6 weeks from the date of ordering, although we will always aim to provide the longest available usage period wherever possible.
Please collect and return your sample in good time to ensure it reaches our laboratory before the stated use-by date.
Your results will be sent by email once testing is complete. Free after test advice is included should you have any questions about your laboratory report.
Your Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test Kit includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return a faecal sample from one animal to our laboratory for testing.
Collect a fresh faecal sample from one animal, following the instructions supplied with your kit. Avoid contamination with soil, bedding, water or other materials that could interfere with laboratory testing.
Once collected, ensure the sample container is securely closed and the laboratory request form is completed. Place the sample in the protective packaging provided and return it promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
Please ensure your sample reaches our laboratory before the use by date stated on your kit documentation.
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.
