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Our Camelid Herd Worm Count Test provides a practical and cost-effective way to monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding in groups of up to five alpacas or llamas. Also known as a pooled camelid faecal egg count (FEC), this test combines faecal samples from selected animals to provide one laboratory result for the group.
Alpacas and llamas can be affected by a range of gastrointestinal parasites, including roundworms and coccidia. Depending on the parasite involved, infections may be associated with weight loss, poor body condition, diarrhoea or reduced growth. Some animals may carry parasites without showing obvious signs, making regular faecal testing a useful part of herd health monitoring.
Our trained laboratory team examines the pooled faecal sample using quantitative microscopy to identify gastrointestinal parasite eggs and coccidian oocysts relevant to alpacas and llamas.
The laboratory examination includes:
Where appropriate, findings are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) or oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces. These values provide an indication of parasite shedding within the pooled sample rather than the parasite burden of each individual animal.
Fresh faecal material is collected from up to five alpacas or llamas of the same species and combined into one pooled sample for laboratory examination.
For the most useful results, we recommend selecting animals that are of a similar age, health status and management group, ideally those that live or graze together and have comparable parasite exposure.
Our laboratory thoroughly mixes the submitted material and examines representative portions using microscopy. Findings are reported as one pooled herd result, providing an overview of parasite egg or oocyst shedding within the sampled group.
Please note: Pooled testing does not provide individual parasite counts for each alpaca or llama. Animals with higher parasite egg shedding may not always be identified separately within a pooled sample.
Regular alpaca and llama herd worm count testing can help monitor gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding over time and support more informed parasite-control decisions.
Pooled testing may be particularly useful for:
A low or negative pooled worm count does not completely exclude infection, as egg shedding can vary between animals and some parasites may be present below the detection limit. Results should be considered alongside herd health, grazing conditions and previous treatments.
Although pooled testing is useful for routine herd monitoring, individual worm counts are recommended for animals showing signs of illness, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea, reduced body condition or poor performance.
Individual testing allows the laboratory findings to be linked directly to a particular animal, helping support veterinary assessment and appropriate parasite management decisions.
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 herd’s results, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Testing an individual alpaca or llama? Our Camelid Worm Count Test provides individual faecal parasite screening where results are required for a specific animal.
Our laboratory team uses microscopy to examine representative faecal samples for gastrointestinal nematode eggs, cestode eggs and relevant protozoa.
The samples are assessed to provide a single combined herd result, with parasite findings identified and quantified where appropriate.
We recommend considering this test for:
Collect fresh faecal samples representative of the group, ideally including material from each of the five animals. Follow the collection instructions provided with your kit.
Important: As this test provides a combined result, it cannot determine the parasite burden of individual animals. Where there are concerns about a particular animal, we recommend individual testing.
Our Camelid Herd Worm Count Test screens for a range of gastrointestinal parasites relevant to alpacas and llamas.
Your report includes the parasites detected, quantitative egg or oocyst counts where appropriate, and supporting interpretation.
Please note: Some gastrointestinal worms, including Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole worm), produce eggs that cannot be reliably distinguished from other strongyle-type eggs using routine microscopy. Where species-level confirmation is required, our dedicated Haemonchus contortus qPCR test is available.
A negative pooled result does not exclude infection in individual animals, particularly where parasite shedding is low or intermittent.
Worm count: Testing is completed, reviewed and results issued within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory, calculated in working days.
Please note: Laboratory testing is undertaken Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Weekends and bank holidays are not included in our stated turnaround times.
Sample collection: Collect fresh faecal samples following the instructions supplied. We recommend returning samples promptly, preferably early in the working week.
This kit is prepared for one cat and includes the materials needed to collect and return the required faecal sample or samples to our laboratory.
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.
