Faecal Worm Egg Count Tests are vital to ascertain which sort of treatment your horse needs and will stop you from giving unnecessary treatment to your horse, which can help worms build a resistance to particular wormers in the future.
We have launched a new subscription service for both our Faecal Worm Egg Count Kit’s and the Equisal Tapeworm Test Kit’s so you can always keep a stock of the test kits needed to ensure your horse remains happy and healthy, and you can have the peace of mind knowing you are always prepared for testing periods.
The subscription service will allow you to subscribe to the above mentioned test kits either quarterly or bi-annually, with a discount of up to 10% available depending on the option you pick!
How does faecal egg count testing work at www.wormers-direct.co.uk?
- We send you sample collection kits complete with rubber glove, sample bag and full information and instruction sheets.
- You return the sample(s) to us using the stamped return envelope provided. All samples are then checked professionally and the results are sent to you via email along with a basic explanation as to what the results mean.
- Comprehensive further advice on how to proceed with your worming plan is available from our SQP’s via free phone or email.
- If treatment is deemed to be necessary we can then provide you with the right treatment at a highly competitive price.
What do the results mean?
The results are measured in EPG (eggs per gram) which indicates the actual level of worm eggs found.
When we use the symbol < followed by a number such as <200 EPG this means that the level of worm eggs found is less than 200 per gram.
If the count is less than 200 EPG then it is a low count and would suggest that your worming measures are working which would then suggest delaying the next treatment.
If the count is between 200 EPG and 1200 EPG it is a Medium count which would mean that that particular horse needs treatment and perhaps the overall strategy needs some attention.
If the count is more than 1200 EPG it is a High count that horse should be treated without haste and the management and worming strategy and planning will need considerable attention.
What is an Equisal Tapeworm Test Kit?
The test was designed by an experienced team of scientists which featured one member that is responsible for the Clear Blue pregnancy tests. The test measures specific anti-tapeworm antibodies in saliva by means of a combination of enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). You are provided with a unique saliva collection swab to use on your horse, and once the correct amount of saliva has been collected an indicator within the test will turn pink.
What do the results mean?
The results are split into three categories which are determined by the amount of detectable tapeworm at the ileocaecal junction and adjacent areas at the time of the test.
If there are NO tapeworm present that is classed as a low count.
If there are 1-19 tapeworm present that is classed as a moderate count.
If there are 20+ tapeworm present that is classed as a high count.
Our test kits come with free tailored and professional advice from our SQP’s on the process and the results which are specific to your horse and their situation.
If you have any questions regarding the test kits mentioned or the subscription service, call our team on 01423 332134 or email us at info@wormers-direct.co.uk.