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Our Farm Animal Lungworm Test provides specialist laboratory screening for lungworm larvae shed in the faeces of grazing livestock. The test uses a dedicated larval detection technique to investigate suspected lungworm infection and support informed parasite management decisions.
Lungworm infections can affect the respiratory health of farm animals, particularly those exposed to contaminated pasture. Depending on the animal species and lungworm involved, infection may be associated with persistent coughing, respiratory irritation, breathing difficulties, reduced growth or poor body condition.
Some animals may carry lungworm infections without showing obvious clinical signs, while others may develop more significant respiratory problems. Laboratory testing can provide useful evidence of larval shedding where lungworm exposure is suspected, helping farmers and veterinary professionals make more informed decisions about further investigation and treatment.
Our trained laboratory team examines the submitted faecal sample using a specialist larval detection technique designed to recover and identify lungworm larvae. Findings are assessed according to the animal species submitted and the microscopic characteristics of any larvae observed.
Unlike a routine faecal egg count, which primarily examines gastrointestinal parasite eggs, lungworm screening specifically investigates the presence of larvae associated with certain respiratory parasites.
A positive result provides evidence of lungworm larval shedding. However, a negative result does not completely exclude infection, as larvae may be absent during the early stages of infection or shed intermittently. The sensitivity of faecal larval testing also varies between lungworm species.
Our Farm Animal Lungworm Test may be useful for:
All samples are processed and examined by trained laboratory analysts at www.wormcount.com Veterinary Laboratory. Any relevant lungworm larvae observed are recorded, with results reviewed before a clear laboratory report is issued.
Results should be interpreted alongside the animal’s clinical signs, grazing history and previous parasite treatments. Animals experiencing significant coughing, breathing difficulties or other signs of respiratory illness should be assessed promptly by a veterinary surgeon, regardless of the laboratory result.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice from our laboratory team.
Our Farm Animal Lungworm Test provides specialist laboratory screening for lungworm larvae shed in the faeces of farm animals. This extended test uses a dedicated larval detection technique to help identify evidence of lungworm infection where exposure is known or suspected.
Our trained laboratory team processes the submitted faecal sample using a specialist larval recovery method, such as the Baermann technique. This method encourages motile larvae to migrate from the faecal material, allowing them to be recovered and examined under a microscope.
Where lungworm larvae are observed, we assess their microscopic characteristics and report findings according to the animal species submitted and the identification possible using the examination method.
Lungworm testing may be particularly useful where animals are showing signs that could be associated with respiratory parasite infection, including persistent coughing, respiratory irritation, breathing difficulties or reduced performance.
Testing may also be appropriate where lungworm has previously been identified within a herd or flock, or where livestock have grazed on pasture with known or suspected lungworm exposure.
Lungworm risk varies depending on the animal species, age, grazing conditions, previous exposure and parasite management history. Laboratory findings can support more informed discussions with your veterinary surgeon about appropriate treatment and ongoing parasite control.
This test requires a fresh faecal sample collected from the animal being tested. Please follow the instructions supplied with your kit carefully, as correct collection and prompt return are important for preserving sample quality and supporting larval recovery.
Avoid contamination with soil, bedding or water wherever possible. Once collected, securely package your sample using the materials provided and return it promptly to our laboratory using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
Faecal lungworm testing detects larvae present in the submitted sample at the time of collection. A positive result provides evidence of lungworm larval shedding.
Larvae may not be present during the early stages of infection, and shedding can be intermittent or occur at levels below the detection limit. Some lungworm species are also less reliably detected using standard faecal larval recovery methods.
Results should therefore be considered alongside the animal’s clinical signs, grazing history and any recent treatments. Where respiratory symptoms are present or lungworm infection remains suspected despite a negative result, further veterinary investigation may be necessary.
All samples are examined in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts. Findings are reviewed before a clear laboratory report is issued, with relevant interpretative comments provided where appropriate.
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.
Your Farm Animal Lungworm Test report provides the findings from our specialist laboratory examination for lungworm larvae in the submitted faecal sample.
Our trained laboratory team examines the sample using a dedicated larval detection technique. Where lungworm larvae are identified, we report the findings according to the animal species submitted and the microscopic characteristics of the larvae observed.
Detected: Lungworm larvae have been identified in the submitted faecal sample. Where possible, we provide identification of the lungworm species or type detected, together with relevant interpretative comments. Species identification depends on the characteristics of the larvae and the limitations of the examination method.
None Detected: No lungworm larvae were observed in the submitted sample. However, a negative result does not completely exclude infection, as larval shedding may be intermittent, absent during early infection or below the detection limit of the method used.
Where appropriate, your report will include additional comments to help explain the findings and their potential significance. The interpretation of lungworm results can vary depending on the animal species, parasite identified, clinical signs, grazing history and previous treatments.
Not all lungworm infections can be reliably identified through faecal larval examination alone. Some species may require alternative diagnostic methods, and further veterinary investigation may be appropriate where infection remains suspected despite a negative result.
Your laboratory results can help support informed parasite management and treatment decisions. Where lungworm larvae are detected, we recommend discussing the findings with your veterinary surgeon to determine whether treatment or further investigation is required.
Animals experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or other significant respiratory signs should receive prompt veterinary assessment, regardless of the laboratory result.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your report, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Our Farm Animal Lungworm Test is normally completed, reviewed and reported within 48 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory (the next working day).
Each sample is carefully processed and examined by our trained laboratory team using a specialist larval detection technique. Once testing is complete, the findings are reviewed and a laboratory report is prepared, including relevant results and interpretative comments where appropriate.
Laboratory opening hours: Testing is carried out Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Samples arriving outside these working days will be processed when the laboratory next opens. Weekends and bank holidays are not included in our stated turnaround times.
Your results will be sent by email once testing and review are complete. Free after test advice is included should you have any questions about your results.
Your kit is prepared for one cat and includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return the required faecal samples to our laboratory for testing.
For the lungworm testing component, faecal material must be collected over 3 consecutive days. This is important because lungworm larvae may be shed intermittently, and collecting samples over several days improves the likelihood of detection.
Please follow the instructions supplied with your kit carefully, ensuring all samples are collected and packaged correctly. Where possible, avoid contamination with cat litter, soil, water or other materials that may interfere with laboratory examination.
Once collection is complete, securely package your samples using the materials provided and return them promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
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.
