A FAECAL egg count gives you an indication of adult parasites in the horse by measuring the number of worm eggs in a sample of faeces. The Irish Equine Centre (IEC) charge €13 per sample, however, there is a discount on bulk sampling. It is important to take a sample when the efficacy of any previous dewormer is out of the horse’s system.
Ideally the faecal sample should be collected immediately after your horse has passed it. If you are not sure, but a pile looks fresh, collect a sample from the middle of the pile where it is still moist.Collect a large handful of manure and place it in a ziplock bag, then push as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it.The sample should be dispatched to the IEC as soon as possible. Ensure each sample is labelled with the horse’s details.