Equine worm egg count results explained
A faecal worm egg count tests for adult, egg laying redworm and ascarids.
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 (e.p.g).
REDWORM (STRONGYLE)
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 small 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.
ROUNDWORM (ASCARID)
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 I Have the results?
Using the parasite risk profile of your horse helps determine what the best plan and treatment is for your horse. You can work out your horse's parasite risk here. Then use the table below to work out your next steps.
If your horse returns a medium or high result for redworm or ascarids then also consider a reduction test to check for any wormer resistance.
If you have carried out an EquiSal tapeworm saliva test alongside your faecal worm egg count, please await all results before dosing as you may need a combination wormer. Worm egg counts are NOT a definitive test for tapeworm, however if we see them in a faecal sample we will report them to you. Find out more about tapeworm saliva test results and treatment here.
Redworm:
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<25 e.p.g. or <50 e.p.g. = NO EGGS SEEN No eggs seen in the sample provided Low Risk = Consider encysted small redworm blood test with your vet for possible encysted redworm if low risk and this result has been seen all year.
Medium/High Risk = For these horses, a larvicidal treatment will generally need to be considered during the autumn/early winter period, typically between October and January, with the precise timing based on their risk assessment, test results and management. If in doubt get in touch. |
Up to 175 e.p.g = LOW COUNT
Speak to your prescriber if concerned about leaving a low count untreated now. Any roundworm (ascarids) warrants treatment even if over 4 use Panacur Equine Guard. Moxidectin & ivermectin don't treat it effectively now due to resistance. |
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Between 200 e.p.g and 1175 e.p.g = MEDIUM COUNT - Treatment Required for all risk profiles For these horses, a larvicidal treatment will generally need to be considered during the autumn/early winter period, typically between October and January, with the precise timing based on their risk assessment, test results and management. If in doubt get in touch Reduction test 10-14 days after treatment to check for resistance. . |
Over 1200 e.p.g = HIGH COUNT Treatment Required for all risk profiles For these horses, a larvicidal treatment will generally need to be considered during the autumn/early winter period, typically between October and January, with the precise timing based on their risk assessment, test results and management. If in doubt get in touch |
Moxidectin is suitable for most horses including pregnant mares but please ensure they have sufficient bodyweight as it's stored in the body fat so its not always suitable for very lean, rescue horses or licensed for Donkey's. Horses under 1 year old will be better to have Panacur 5 day guard this winter please
How long does it take to get results?
We aim to test the faecal worm egg count samples on the day they arrive with us in the lab. Results will then be sent promptly by email or text. The postal service can take anywhere between 1-6 days to reach us, even when using first class.
If your sample arrives after 6 days we will be in touch to retest as it will be too old for an accurate result.
Please note that a worm egg count tests for adult, egg laying parasites. Depending on the stage of their lifecycle, they may not show up in a single sample. A negative results does not always therefore mean the animal is worm free and is why a targeted parasite control plan suggests testing every 8-12 weeks, based on the parasite lifecycle, to ensure a parasite burden doesn't get out of hand.
For advice on how to take an sample to ensure an accurate result - read this