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Our Sheep Worm Count Test, also known as a faecal egg count (FEC), provides laboratory screening for gastrointestinal parasites in sheep. The test measures parasite eggs present in a faecal sample, helping to assess egg shedding in an individual sheep or sampled group.
Regular faecal egg counting is an important part of effective flock parasite management. Testing helps monitor parasite levels, identify when treatment may be necessary and support more informed worming decisions, rather than relying solely on routine treatments.
Anthelmintic resistance is a growing concern in sheep farming. Using laboratory results alongside animal health, grazing history and veterinary advice can help reduce unnecessary worming treatments and support the long-term effectiveness of available anthelmintics.
Our trained laboratory team uses quantitative microscopy to examine the submitted faecal sample for gastrointestinal parasite eggs and coccidian oocysts, including:
Where appropriate, parasite eggs are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) and coccidian oocysts as oocysts per gram (OPG). These results provide an indication of parasite shedding in the submitted sample rather than a direct measurement of the total number of parasites present.
Our Sheep Worm Count Test may be particularly useful for:
Faecal egg counting provides useful laboratory evidence to support parasite management decisions. By monitoring egg shedding over time, farmers and veterinary professionals can make more informed choices about when treatment may be appropriate.
A low or negative egg count does not completely exclude parasite infection, particularly where immature worms are present or egg shedding is limited. Results should therefore be considered alongside the age, condition and clinical signs of the animals, as well as seasonal and grazing risks.
Every sample is processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team. You will receive a clear laboratory report by email, relevant interpretative comments and free after-test advice to help you understand the findings and whether further veterinary assessment may be appropriate.
Our Sheep Faecal Egg Count (FEC) provides a practical and reliable laboratory-based method for monitoring gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding in individual sheep. Regular testing helps identify when worming treatment may be appropriate, supports effective flock management and reduces unnecessary use of anthelmintics.
Each sample is examined in our purpose-built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts using quantitative microscopy. We identify relevant gastrointestinal parasite eggs and, where appropriate, measure the number present as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces.
Results provide an indication of parasite egg shedding rather than a direct measurement of the total number of worms present. Findings should be considered alongside the animal’s age, condition, clinical signs and grazing history when making treatment decisions.
This test is designed for one sheep and requires a fresh, representative faecal sample collected using the materials provided. Please follow the instructions supplied with your kit and avoid contamination with soil, bedding or other materials.
Once collected, securely package your sample and return it promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service included with your kit.
For larger flock monitoring, we also offer a Pooled Flock Faecal Egg Count (FEC). This allows samples from a defined group of sheep to be examined together, providing an overview of parasite egg shedding within the sampled group.
Where Barber Pole worm is a particular concern, our Haemonchus contortus qPCR Test provides targeted molecular screening for Haemonchus contortus DNA. This can help investigate the presence of this important blood-feeding parasite, which cannot be reliably distinguished from other strongyle type worms by routine egg microscopy alone.
All samples are processed and reviewed by our trained laboratory team. Your report will include the parasite findings, quantitative egg counts where appropriate and relevant interpretative comments to help explain the results.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your results or would like guidance on further testing, our team will be happy to help.
Our Sheep Worm Count Test provides a quantitative faecal egg count (FEC) to assess gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding in the submitted sample. Your laboratory report identifies relevant parasite eggs and oocysts, with numerical counts provided where appropriate.
Our trained laboratory team examines the faecal sample for the following gastrointestinal parasites:
Where appropriate, gastrointestinal nematode eggs are quantified and reported as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Coccidian oocysts may also be quantified and reported as oocysts per gram (OPG).
These values provide an indication of parasite egg or oocyst shedding in the submitted sample. They do not directly measure the total number of parasites present or establish the severity of infection.
Where relevant, your report will include additional comments to help explain the findings. A low or negative egg count does not completely exclude infection, particularly where immature parasites are present or egg shedding is limited.
Barber Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is an important blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasite of sheep. Its eggs cannot be reliably distinguished from those of other strongyle-type worms using routine faecal egg count microscopy alone.
Where species-specific testing is required, our Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole Worm) qPCR Test uses targeted molecular testing to detect Haemonchus contortus DNA in the submitted faecal sample.
Your results can help support targeted parasite management and informed worming decisions. Findings should be considered alongside the sheep’s age, condition, clinical signs, grazing history and any recent treatments.
Where potentially significant parasite levels are identified, we recommend discussing the findings with your veterinary surgeon or animal health adviser before deciding on an appropriate treatment programme.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice from our laboratory team.
Wormcount testing is completed, reviewed and issued within 24 hours of arrival into the laboratory.
Please note: Laboratory testing is undertaken Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Weekends and bank holidays are not included in our stated turnaround times.
Your Sheep Worm Count Test Kit includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return a faecal sample from one sheep to our laboratory for testing.
Collect a fresh, representative faecal sample from one sheep, following the instructions supplied with your kit. Where possible, avoid contamination with soil, bedding or other materials that could affect laboratory examination.
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.
Our Sheep Flock Faecal Egg Count (FEC) Test provides a practical and cost-effective way to monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding across a flock of sheep. Also known as a pooled sheep worm count, this test combines faecal samples from selected animals to provide an overview of parasite egg shedding within the group.
The test allows faecal material from up to 10 sheep to be combined into one pooled sample for laboratory examination. This makes it particularly useful for monitoring groups of sheep with similar ages, health status and grazing conditions, without the need to test every animal individually.
Regular faecal egg counting is an important part of responsible flock parasite management. Testing can help identify parasite egg shedding, support more informed worming decisions and reduce unnecessary use of anthelmintics.
With anthelmintic resistance becoming an increasing concern in sheep farming, monitoring parasite levels and adopting a targeted approach to worming can help preserve the effectiveness of available treatments while supporting flock health and productivity.
Gastrointestinal parasites can affect the health, growth and performance of sheep, particularly young lambs. Depending on the parasite involved, infections may contribute to poor weight gain, reduced body condition, diarrhoea or other health concerns.
A sheep faecal egg count measures the number of gastrointestinal parasite eggs present in a submitted faecal sample. By combining samples from several animals, pooled testing provides an indication of parasite egg shedding within the selected group.
Regular flock worm count testing can help you:
Our Sheep Flock Faecal Egg Count Test allows faecal material from up to 10 sheep to be combined and examined as one pooled sample. This provides a cost-effective method of monitoring parasite egg shedding within a selected group.
For the most useful results, sheep included in the pool should have similar characteristics, such as age, health status, reproductive stage, grazing history and management conditions.
Our laboratory team thoroughly combines the submitted faecal material and examines representative portions using quantitative microscopy. Where appropriate, parasite eggs and oocysts are quantified and reported as eggs per gram (EPG) or oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces.
The findings are reported as one pooled group result, providing an indication of parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the submitted sample. Individual results are not provided for each sheep included in the pool.
For larger flocks containing more than 10 sheep, we recommend sampling at least 10% of the group where practical. Additional pooled tests may be required to provide suitable coverage of the wider flock.
Our trained laboratory team examines the pooled faecal sample for gastrointestinal parasite eggs and relevant coccidian oocysts commonly found in sheep.
The laboratory examination includes:
Where appropriate, parasite eggs are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) and coccidian oocysts as oocysts per gram (OPG). These measurements provide an indication of parasite shedding within the pooled sample rather than the total number of worms present in the animals.
Barber Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is an important blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasite of sheep. Significant infections may cause anaemia, weakness, reduced performance and, in severe cases, death.
Routine faecal egg count microscopy can identify strongyle-type eggs, but it cannot reliably distinguish Haemonchus contortus eggs from those of other gastrointestinal strongyle worms.
Where Barber Pole worm is a particular concern, our Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole Worm) qPCR Test provides targeted molecular testing to detect this parasite’s DNA in a faecal sample.
For the most representative results, collect fresh faecal material from up to 10 sheep within the same management group. Ideally, each animal should contribute a similar quantity of faeces to the pooled sample.
Where individual animals cannot be identified, collect material from separate fresh droppings across the area, recognising that some sheep may be represented more than once.
Avoid collecting material contaminated with soil, bedding or water. Place the collected faeces into the sample container provided, following the instructions supplied with your kit.
If one sheep is showing signs of illness, losing weight or performing differently from the rest of the group, we recommend testing that animal individually rather than relying on the pooled result.
Regular sheep flock faecal egg count testing can help farmers and veterinary professionals monitor parasite egg shedding and make more informed decisions about flock parasite management.
Rather than relying solely on routine worming schedules, laboratory results can be considered alongside the age and condition of the sheep, grazing history, previous treatments and seasonal parasite risks.
A low or negative pooled egg count does not completely exclude infection. Egg shedding can vary between individual animals, and heavily infected sheep may not always be identified through pooled testing alone.
Particular care is needed when assessing young lambs, as some parasites, including Nematodirus, can cause disease before substantial numbers of eggs are present in the faeces. Veterinary advice should be sought where clinical signs or significant parasite risks are present.
Faecal egg counts can also contribute to monitoring treatment effectiveness. However, formal assessment of anthelmintic efficacy requires an appropriate testing protocol, sampling strategy and post-treatment interval.
All samples are examined in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts. We use quantitative microscopy to assess the pooled sample, with findings reviewed before the laboratory report is issued.
We aim to complete and report sheep faecal egg count results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory, during our normal working days of Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and bank holidays.
Your 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 sheep flock worm count results, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Need to test an individual sheep? Our Sheep Worm Count Test provides individual faecal egg counting where results are required for a specific animal.
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.
