Samples should be dropped off at the DoA Lab at least 30 min before the appointment.Samples should be collected no more than 72 hours before they are booked in for testing.Samples should be refrigerated after collection until they are dropped off at the DoA.The
testing of animal faeces for the presence and quantity of parasite eggs is a
helpful tool to determine if there is a need for treatment. The Veterinary
Service and DoA are able to help do this by carrying out Faecal Egg Counts
(FEC) on suitable samples from Sheep, Cattle, and Horses.Sample pots are available from the DoA.Collecting faecal samples
Sheep and goats
Dung samples can be collected from the
rectum of sheep and goats in a race or small pen. Wearing the glove supplied,
gently insert your forefinger into the rectum and gently remove the dung
pellets. Half-fill one bottle per animal. If you cannot fill the bottle with
dung from one animal, top it up with dung from another. If conducting a drench
resistance test only fill one bottle per animal.
Alternatively, hold the animals on camp
or in the corner of a paddock or yard for 5 – 10 minutes letting them settle or
stand. A significant number should defecate during this time. Prevent the dung
being scattered and trampled by not packing them tightly or harassing them with
a dog. Using the glove half fill the bottles with fresh dung, one bottle per
pile. It will not matter if the dung from different animals goes into the same
bottle. Place bottle in the bag supplied and seal.
Beef and dairy cattle
Quietly hold the cattle on camp or in
the corner of a paddock or yard. Wait for them to defecate. Wearing the glove
supplied fill all the bottles to the top with fresh dung so as to exclude all
air. Use one bottle per animal or dung pat. Place bottles in the bag supplied
and seal.
Which test is best?
Worm test normal
Use this test to decide whether to
drench or not.
Worm test after-drench screen (10 – 14 days after
drenching)
Use this test to assess how well a
drench has worked. This result will be a guide only and results could indicate
that you should set up a Drench Resistance Test.