Farm Animal Herd Faecal Egg Count (FEC) Test Kit

The purpose of herd/flock screening is to economically determine if there is an internal parasite burden within the groups as a whole, at the time of taking the samples.  If so, the species of parasite will be identified, so that targeted and appropriate treatment can be given to the group. Our herd/flock worm egg screen is very comprehensive, providing the same level of accurate identification as the individual worm egg screen, but is representative of the group.  All the same worms and protozoa are screened for as in the individual screen.

Where a group of farm animals or avians of the same species, similar ages and similar health conditions are living together, a group sample is appropriate.  Please note this is not a suitable procedure for companion animals or reptiles, who always require individual screens.  If you are a breeder of companion animals, please contact the office to discuss the most appropriate testing regime.

In groups of over 10 animals, it is recommended to sample from at least 10% of the group. This screen is designed to test up to 10 animals (of the same species and ideally similar ages) per pool test.

The sample will be combined in the lab and several sub-samples will be tested individually, the results will then be averaged and reported as one single group average value.

The sample should be from as many of the 10 animals as possible.  We suggest that one way to achieve this is to get the animals contained in a corner/pen for approximately 15 minutes and then release them, then collect approximately 10 x 3 gram samples from 10 different faeces in this area. Please note that the group result will be reported as one single group average.  If you are particularly concerned about one individual, we would always recommend they are removed, tested and treated separately from the group.

This kit includes:

• One recyclable padded envelope, made with 60% recycled material
• Free tracked return 24hr postage
• One yellow paper laboratory request form and test and instruction sheet
• One scented bag

Maintaining flock health is critical for any farmer or smallholding, and managing internal parasites is a big part of that. Faecal egg counts (FECs) or worm egg count kits are essential for identifying and managing parasite burdens before they take a toll on animal performance.

Internal parasites including roundworms (nematodes), fluke (trematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and protozoans such as coccidia, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidia can all impact sheep health. Infections may be subclinical, where animals appear healthy but underperform, or more severe, leading to disease, weight loss, or even death in acute cases.

While antiparasitic drugs such as anthelmintics for gut worms, flukicides for liver and rumen fluke, and coccidiostats for protozoan infections remain a key part of treatment, they’re no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Resistance to wormers is now widespread across farms, making accurate diagnostics more important than ever to ensure effective and economically sound treatment choices.

Among all internal parasites, gut worms particularly roundworms are some of the costliest. In the UK alone, significant annual losses are reported due to reduced productivity and treatment costs. These parasites are typically ingested as larvae from pasture, leading to parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE), a condition that affects weight gain, meat quality, and wool yield.

Regular use of faecal egg count tests gives farmers the ability to monitor worm burdens with precision. These tests not only help decide if and when to treat, but also guide which anthelmintics are likely to be effective reducing the risk of using the wrong product and furthering resistance.

For more targeted testing, such as detecting the highly pathogenic Barber Pole Worm (Haemonchus contortus), the Haemonchus contortus Test offers specific and early detection.

Incorporating routine FEC testing into a broader parasite management strategy is vital. It helps preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments, improves overall flock performance, and protects the long-term sustainability of sheep farming operations.