What do the results of my horse's faecal egg count mean and what does a worm count test for? For each horse on the result sheet there will be a number indicating the level of worm eggs found.
Worm egg count results are given in eggs per gram to the nearest 25 (epg)
Step one: Please work out your horses parasite risk level from the table below. If you need help assessing the risk then please email us back to help.
Step two: Look at test results below and establish if a wormer is needed
The following advice assumes that your horse(s) are all healthy adults in good condition and have had an encysted redworm treatment or test this winter.
If not please email us back.
Worm egg count results are given in eggs per gram to the nearest 25 (epg) If you have tapeworm tested please await those results before dosing as you may need a combination wormer.
In the winter we need to consider possible encysted redworm as they are a stage of the redworm life cycle that are not egg laying-more information here
Worm egg count results (looking for adult egg laying redworm & roundworm)
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The sign < means ‘less than’, so a result of<50 epg means no eggs seen in the sample. If your horse fits the low risk category then no treatment needed just test again in 10-12 weeks. If medium or high risk then no treatment now but test again in 8 weeks time. |
Up to 175 epg means a LOW redworm count and your worming measures are working to keep the burden lower. If your horse fits the low risk category then no treatment needed just test again in 10-12 weeks If medium or high risk category then consider when the last wormer was and previous results history as to if you need to worm now. Any roundworm warrants treatment so contact us for which wormer particularly if under 4 year old. |
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Between 200 epg and 1175 epg is a MEDIUM redworm count, the horse needs worming with ivermectin now and possibly reduction test 10-14 days on to check for resistance.
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Over 1200 epg is a HIGH redworm count, the horse needs worming and the programme and/or pasture management needs attention. If Equest was given 3 months ago then use an ivermectin now and reduction test 10-14 days on to check for resistance. If Panacur 5 day Guard was used 3 months ago then use Equest now if enough body fat. |
Which worms are covered by a faecal egg count test?
Usually your result will say STRONGYLE EGGS. This is a collective term for small and large redworm, the most common parasites that affect horses. Worm egg counts show all but encysted stages of redworm as these are not mature so don't lay eggs to be counted in the dung sample. It is important to treat these with an effective product in the winter months (Dec-Feb) then you can rely on worm counts for the remainder of the year.
Worm egg counts are not a definitive test for TAPEWORM EGGS, although though these don’t always show on a count. Your horse could still have tapeworm even if no eggs are seen. Use the Equisal saliva test for tapeworm twice a year for a reliable way to monitor tapeworm infections.
We may find ASCARIDS. This is roundworm, usually only a problem in foals and previously neglected horses. Any sign of these requires treatment usually. The old fashioned drugs such as Pyrantel & Fenbendazole have the least resistance for ascarids treatment but if not sue please get in touch.
What should I do now?
If you need any further help with your result, worming programme or worming in general please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will do our best to answer your questions. If you have any concerns about your horse’s health then you should consult your vet.
How long does it take to get results?
We aim to test the faecal worm egg count samples on the day they arrive and your results will be sent promptly by email or text usually. The post can take anywhere between 1-6 days to reach us. If you sample arrives after 6 days we will be in touch to retest.