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Tests & Services

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Faecal Worm Egg Count (FEC)

$15 per test

A simple, science-backed way to check your horse’s parasite burden before deciding to worm.

What’s included:

  • Testing of your horse’s manure sample for strongyle (redworm) and ascarid (roundworm) eggs

  • If other less common parasites are seen they will be reported

  • Results sent to you within 24 hours of receiving the sample

  • A clear explanation of the egg count (low, moderate, or high)

  • Personalised advice on whether treatment is recommended

  • Ongoing support if you have questions or concerns

Why use a FEC test?

  • Reduce unnecessary worming

  • Help slow resistance

  • Make smarter decisions for your horse’s health

Suitable for: Horses, ponies, minis, donkeys — any equine & even other livestock!

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Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT)

$15 per test

Wondering if your wormer is actually working?
The FECRT helps detect resistance by comparing your horse’s egg count before and after worming.

What’s included:

  • Two faecal egg counts:
     – One taken before worming
     – One taken 10 - 14 days after worming

  • Side-by-side comparison of egg count reduction

  • Clear interpretation of results

  • Support in understanding what it means — and what to do next

Why use a FECRT?

  • Identify if worms are becoming resistant to a certain active ingredient

  • Make smarter choices about which wormers to use

  • Contribute to slowing down resistance in the wider horse community

  • Especially helpful for horses with high or recurring egg counts

Best for: Horses with known high burdens, horses on regular worming programs, or where resistance is

Pinworm Test

$15 per test

Pinworms (Oxyuris equi) are a common but often overlooked parasite that can cause itchiness, tail rubbing, and irritation around the tail head. Because pinworms lay their eggs on the skin around the anus rather than in the gut, they will not be detected by a standard faecal worm egg count.

This targeted test uses a sticky tape method to collect a sample from the skin beneath the tail, which is then examined under a microscope to look for pinworm eggs. It’s a simple yet effective way to check specifically for pinworms when clinical signs are present.

Why test for pinworm?

  • Helps identify the cause of tail rubbing and perianal irritation

  • Detects pinworms that are missed by traditional FEC testing

  • Supports targeted parasite control decisions

How the test works:

  • A sticky tape sample is collected from around the anus (not manure) and submitted with your form

  • The tape is examined microscopically for pinworm eggs

  • You receive a clear result and interpretation to guide your next steps

If pinworm eggs are detected, this indicates an active pinworm infection. If no eggs are seen, further testing may be recommended if signs continue.

Pinworm testing can also be included in an all-worm combo with FEC and tapeworm testing.

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Tapeworm Test

$25 per test (or $35 including a FEC)

Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) are a common but often hidden threat. Unlike strongyles and roundworms, tapeworms shed eggs intermittently, so a standard FEC may miss them—even if your horse has a significant burden.

I use a tapeworm-specific testing method developed through my own parasitology training and collaboration with equine specialists, improving detection without relying on sedimentation techniques used by many labs.

Why test for tapeworms?

  • Can cause colic, poor condition, digestive upset, and long-term gut issues

  • Allows treatment only when necessary, reducing unnecessary worming and slowing resistance

How the test works:

  • Collect a fresh manure sample, just like a normal FEC

  • I perform a tapeworm-focused microscopic analysis

  • Results tell you if tapeworm eggs are present and guide treatment decisions

Benefits:

  • Detects what a standard FEC can’t

  • Developed in collaboration with equine parasitology specialists

  • Supports targeted parasite control and long-term horse health

  • Affordable, science-based testing done locally in Tasmania

Sample Collection & Submission
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Combo options

FEC + Tapeworm test combo – $35
A targeted combination for the most common internal parasites.

All-worm combo (FEC + Tapeworm + Pinworm tests) – $45
A comprehensive option for horses with ongoing, unclear or multiple parasite-related concerns.