FAQ

How does the Fecal Test Kit work?
How does the Mail-in option work?
Why Should I Test for Worms?
What testing method do you use?
How do I read the results?
What are the different types of  de-wormers?
Treatment
Is my de-wormer working?
What will this cost me?
I need new return packaging

How does the Fecal Test Kit work?:

  1. Purchase your equine test online.
  2. We mail you a test kit
  3. Using spoon provided, pack the container with a manure sample. Discard spoon into recycle bin, place container back in baggy provided.  The cotton pad remains in the bag to help soak up any “juice.” Write name of animal on baggy
  4. REUSE the mailer that shipped with your kit.
  5. Fill out Information card included in your kit.
  6. Use pre-paid return label that came in your kit and put in your mailbox.

Mail-in Test Option:

  1. Sample size should be no greater than 1oz. (1 fecal ball or 5-6 “beans”)
  2. Sample should be enclosed in plastic (glove or resealable baggy)
  3. Sample baggy should be enclosed in another resealable baggy with absorptive material (paper towels or cotton) to absorb any leakage
  4. Write name/species of animal on baggy
  5. Print PayPal receipt and include with your sample
  6. Sample can be mailed to
    1. Farm Fecals 2051 Dutch Hollow Rd Avon, NY 14414

Why Should I Test for Worms?

  • Testing will help assess if your animal has worms.
  • If you were able to get rid of the worms your animal tested positive for.
  • If the de-worming protocol you are using is effective
  • To determine resistance level on a specific de-wormer
  • To slow or prevent the spread of worm infestation especially when moving livestock to off farm locations such as (shows, fairs, clinics, etc)
  • To limit the potential for zoonotic transmission (transfer to humans) of certain parasites.

Testing Method:

The testing method we use is called the McMasters Method.

Reading Results:

Your test results will come back with information about Fecal Egg Count per Gram (EPG).

  • Low Shedder – <250 EPG
  • Medium Shedder – 300-500 EPG
  • High Shedder – > 550 EPG

Consult your veterinarian before treatment.

Types of De-wormer:

  • Ivermectin  – Zimectrin, Equimax, Rotectin 1.87%
  • Moxidectin – Quest (do not use on minis!)
  • Fenbendazole – SafeGuard, Panacure
  • Pyrantel Pamoate – Strongid, Rotectin P
  • Pyrantel Tartrate – Strongid C
  • Combination – Equimax, Zimectrin Gold, Quest Plus (Iver or Mox+Paraziquantel)

Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian for suggested targeted deworming regimens  for your climate and housing situation for your livestock.

Is my De-wormer working?:

Re-testing recommendations to determine if the de-wormer you used is working or not.

  • Ivermectin and Moxidectin – re-test in 14 days
  • Fenvendazole – re-test in 10 days
  • Pyrantel – re-test in 7 days

Coccidia –

  • Corid  – re-test in 14 days

Low Shedders – test consistently falling into this group fecal test will have to be done less frequently through out the year typically only spring/fall unless your vet suspects a parasite infection.

Medium/High Shedders – Typical animals that fall into this category are young, old,  have compromised immune systems or are biologically prone to parasite infections.  These animals should be tested every 8-12 weeks year round.  High results could also suggest a parasite resistance to a particular de-wormer and a change of drug may be recommended.

What will this cost me?

Cost for switching from blind de-worming which can cause parasite resistance to a strategic de-worming plan will cost the most in the first year.  It takes time to accumulate data to determine typical worm load and adjusting your de-worming regimen.

Identifying ineffective drugs and low shedders and having to only retest high shedders at increased intervals will lower your cost as well.

Prevention is your best course of action when battling a worm infestation.

  • Practice rotational grazing
  • Prevent over grazing of pastures (parasites live on the bottom 2 inches of vegetation)
  • Keep paddocks picked free of poo at least weekly
  • Feed off the ground using tubs or buckets
  • When feeding hay keep them from defecating on it by using nets or other hay feeders.

I need new return packaging

If the initial packaging becomes unusable we can do 1 of 2 things for you.  Just contact us.

  1. Mail you out a new return envelope
  2. You can ship your sample in your own envelope and email us the receipt.  We will then credit your account back the shipping charges.