Faecal Egg Count Testing in Horses: A Key to Tackling Wormer Resistance

Why Faecal Egg Count Testing Matters for Your Horse

Worms are a common enemy of horses, affecting their health, performance, and overall wellbeing. For decades, horse owners have relied on routine deworming schedules to keep these pesky parasites at bay. However, the overuse of wormers has led to a worrying trend: wormer resistance. This means that the drugs we depend on are becoming less effective, making it tougher to protect our horses and remove parasites from their systems.

Faecal Egg Count (FEC) testing is a simple, affordable, and powerful tool that’s changing the way Australians manage worm control. By analysing a manure sample from your horse, FEC testing shows exactly how many worm eggs are present, letting you tailor your worming program to your horse’s individual needs.

FEC testing is also cost effective, most tests cost around $10-$20 per horse (sometimes cheaper if there are a certain number of horses or more that you want to get analysed).

How Faecal Egg Count Testing Reduces Wormer Resistance

Blanket worming every horse on the property might seem like the safe option, but it’s actually speeding up resistance. Worms adapt quickly, and the more often we use wormers unnecessarily, the more likely resistant populations will develop. FEC testing helps you:

• Target only those horses that need worming – sparing the “clean” horses and reducing chemical use.

• Monitor worm burden over time – so you can see which horses are consistently low or high egg shedders.

• Check if wormers are working – by retesting 10-14 days after treatment to see if egg counts drop as expected.

By reducing unnecessary treatments, you help preserve the effectiveness of wormers for years to come. It’s a win for your horse, your wallet, and the whole horse community.

When Is the Best Time to Do Faecal Egg Counts in Australia?

Timing is crucial for accurate results. In Australia, the ideal time for FEC testing is typically in spring and autumn, when conditions favour worm transmission. These seasons see a rise in pasture growth and moisture, providing worms the perfect opportunity to thrive and infect horses. Testing at these times helps you catch rising worm burdens before they become a problem.

For young horses, older horses, or those in high-risk situations (such as crowded/larger herds and paddocks), more frequent testing may be recommended. Remember, always consult your vet for advice tailored to your horse and property.

Who Offers Faecal Egg Count Testing in the Canberra Region?

There are several options for horse owners in Canberra looking to get FEC testing done:

• FECC – Is our local Canberra service offering. You can find them here.

• Local Equine Veterinarians – Most vets in Canberra and the surrounding areas offer Fecal Egg Count testing as part of their routine services. Some may even do on-farm visits to collect samples.

• Specialist Equine Laboratories – Labs such as Equine Health Services and Animal Health Laboratory (ACT Government) provide reliable FEC testing. You can drop off or mail samples directly to these labs – check their websites or call for instructions.

Obtaining the Sample

• Get 2 large double zip-lock bags per horse.

• Write their name and the date of collection on the outside of the bag.

• Turn one inside out and get 1 ball, per horse (ensuring the sample is as fresh as possible).

• Double bag and store in your fridge until you are ready to drop off the sample (max. 3 days).

• Ensure any paperwork is filled out that the service provider requires you to complete (usually per horse).

Takeaway: Smarter Worming for Happier Horses

FEC testing is a game-changer in equine health. By making worming decisions based on real data, you protect your horse, your farm, and the wider horse population from the growing threat of wormer resistance. So, this spring or autumn, grab a sample and get testing – your horses will thank you!