How Often Should You Do a Worm Egg Count (FEC)?

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How Often Should You Do a Worm Egg Count (FEC)?

One of the most common questions I get is:

“How often should I test my horse?”

 And the answer? It depends—but here’s a good rule of thumb:

  • Every 8–12 weeks is a solid starting point. This allows us to track your horse’s worm burden over time and detect changes early.

  • After worming, test again about 10-14 days later. This checks if the treatment worked and helps monitor for resistance.

  • Spring and autumn are especially important times to test—this is when worm activity often increases and parasite management is crucial.

 

FECs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some horses need more frequent monitoring, especially if they:

  • Are under 5 years old

  • Are kept in high-density paddocks

  • Show signs of weight loss or a dull coat

  • Share pasture with high shedders

 Doing regular FECs means you only worm when necessary—reducing resistance and saving money in the long run.

 

Based in Tasmania, I offer fast, reliable testing with results you can trust. Have questions? Just message me—I’m always happy to chat about your horse’s health!

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