Large Strongyle Larval Culturing What to do with your test results

The large strongyle larval culture test involves incubating faecal samples under controlled conditions to allow strongyle eggs present to hatch and develop into third-stage larvae. These larvae are then identified under a microscope, enabling accurate differentiation between the large strongyle species, Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, and Strongylus equinus.

The test is also able to distinguish non migratory large redworm species of Triodontophorus brevicauda, Triodontophorus serratus and Craterostomum acuticaudatum. These are rarer and less damaging parasites because they complete their full lifecycle in the horse’s gut.

If any large strongyles are identified, then immediate treatment is recommended with a suitable product. This choice will depend on many factors such as time of year, age of horse, previous treatment and any other test results.

Different brands of ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole and pyrantel all have licence claims against specific species and life stages of the large redworm (adults and larvae). Please contact us to discuss

The more common small redworm species are not reported due to their ubiquity. A worm egg count is recommended alongside this test to determine the eggs per gram (EPG) and assess whether treatment for small redworm is necessary. 

Please allow two weeks from the sample’s arrival at the lab for culture and results.