Common questions
Everything WormScope, in plain English
Tap any question to expand the answer. Every report includes an individual recommendation for each horse — we don't give one-size-fits-all worming advice.
What is a faecal egg count?+
A faecal egg count (FEC) is a laboratory test that measures the number of parasite eggs in a horse's manure. It shows which horses are actively shedding worm eggs and roughly how many, so you can target worming decisions instead of treating blindly.
How much manure is needed?+
About a golf-ball-sized sample per horse — roughly two to three fresh droppings. More than that just adds weight to the parcel without improving accuracy.
How fresh should the sample be?+
As fresh as possible — ideally collected within a few hours of being passed and still moist. Avoid old, dried-out or sun-baked droppings, as the eggs degrade quickly.
Can samples be refrigerated?+
Yes. Sealed zip-lock bags kept in the fridge (not the freezer) are fine for a day or two before posting. Keep them separate from food and post as soon as practical.
Can samples be frozen?+
No. Freezing damages the eggs and ruins the count. Chilled in the fridge is fine — frozen is not.
Can I send samples from multiple horses together?+
Absolutely — that's how most owners send them. Each horse just needs its own labelled zip-lock bag so we can test them individually. Group them all into one padded envelope or satchel.
How long do results take?+
Most reports are emailed within a few working days of your sample arriving at the laboratory. We'll let you know as soon as your booking is logged and again when results are ready.
What does EPG mean?+
EPG stands for eggs per gram — the number of parasite eggs counted in each gram of manure. It gives a comparable measure of how much a horse is shedding, but it needs to be interpreted alongside age, season, health and management.
Does a zero result mean my horse has no worms?+
Not necessarily. A zero egg count means no eggs were detected in that sample, which is a good sign — but some life stages (like encysted small strongyle larvae) don't shed eggs, and shedding can be intermittent. That's why we look at the full picture, not just one number.
Does a faecal egg count detect tapeworms, bots or encysted small strongyles?+
No — routine FECs do not reliably detect tapeworms, bots or encysted small strongyle larvae. These parasites need different strategies, and your WormScope report will factor them into the recommendations where relevant.
How often should I test?+
It depends on the horse, the property and your management. Many owners test 2–4 times a year to track trends across the seasons. We include an individual recommendation with every report so you know when to test that horse next.
When should I test after deworming?+
A follow-up count is usually done around 10–14 days after treatment to check the wormer worked (a Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test). Timing can vary depending on the product used — your report will tell you when to re-test.
Is sand assessment included?+
Yes. Where possible we note whether sand is present in the sample, since sand accumulation in the gut can cause colic and other issues. It's included as part of the standard report.
Can I pay now or later?+
Both. You can pay online when you book, or choose to be invoiced and pay after your results are issued. Either way, your samples will be processed as soon as they arrive at the lab.
Can I post samples or arrange drop-off?+
Yes to both. Most clients post their samples in a padded envelope or satchel. Local clients can arrange a drop-off time after booking — just select drop-off as your preferred method and we'll be in touch.
Can't find your question? Email us at hello@wormscope.com.au and we'll get back to you.