Worming: Faecal Worm Egg Counts (FWEC)
Why do I need to do this test?
Faecal worm egg counts detect eggs of strongyle type worms such as large redworms, small redworms and roundworms, but not tapeworms.
Regular faecal worm egg counts throughout the grazing season will help to assess whether your horse needs to be wormed. By only worming your horse when you need to will help to reduce resistance to the drugs used in wormers and is better for your horse. We need to do all we can to reduce resistance to wormers as, if we do not take these steps, wormers will cease to work effectively in the future.
In addition, there is concern about the serious environmental toxic effects of equine parasiticides (the active ingredients used in wormers) on invertebrates, aquatic animals and other organisms, which is another important reason why we should only worm our horses when it is necessary to do so.
How to take a Worm Egg Count sample
What does the result mean?
The test looks at the number of worm eggs per gram. Your vet or SQP (someone who is qualified to give advice about worming) will look at the result of the worm egg count and then make a decision as to whether or not your horse needs to be wormed based on the egg count result and other factors such as their age and how your pasture is managed if your horse is turned out. They will also consider your horse’s past test results and worming history.
If the vet or SQP recommends that you worm your horse, they will provide you with advice on a suitable wormer to use.
It is important to continue with regular faecal worm egg counts throughout the grazing season (approx. every 10-12 weeks) as the worm life cycle includes larval stages that are not detected from a faecal worm egg count.
As faecal worm egg counts do not identify all types of worm, it is important to carry out a test for tapeworm and a worm risk assessment (usually in the autumn/early winter) to establish whether your horse needs to be treated for tapeworm and/or encysted small redworm larvae.
https://www.horsehealthprogramme.co.uk/risk-assessment-for-parasite-control-in-horses/
