Horses - Donkeys - Other Equine

For horses and donkeys we offer the following tests:

• Faecal worm egg counts. This will give you a count of the different types of parasitic worms present (e.g. strongyle worms, Parascaris, tape worms). Most of our equine testing is faecal egg counts (FEC) for individual animals, but you can opt for a bulk test for a herd. Bulk testing is the cheaper option for larger groups of animals, but individual counts will give a more accurate assessment of infection in each animal, and is especially useful for testing drench efficacy. This test cannot reliably differentiate between different species of strongyles - for that we need to perform a larval culture test (below).
• Larval culture assessment of worm species. This is a more time-consuming test that will identify the type (genus) and prevalence of the strongyle worms present in the faeces of your animals. This is useful if you're trying to tailor a treatment strategy for your animals, especially if previous treatments have failed to be effective, and can identify failures in your current strategy. An assessment of worm egg counts (above) is necessary before performing this test, and you can indicate on the submission form the egg count threshold at which you would like a larval culture to be performed - the default is 400 eggs per gram of faeces.
• Fluke testing. We offer several grades of liver and stomach fluke testing. A standard test will simply indicate whether liver or stomach fluke eggs are present or absent. A count test is more expensive but will give a numerical assessment of fluke egg levels. An export test is required by biosecurity authorities for animals being exported to Western Australia, and we also offer an export urgent priority service which will be processed immediately on receipt, for tests that are required urgently.
• Pinworm (Oxyuris) testing. This parasite cannot be detected accurately using a standard worm egg count. Sticky tape is placed on the skin around the outside of the horse's anus, then sent in for microscopic identification.
• Other parasite identification, including ticks, lice, hatched faecal worms, maggots, and other insects.
• Please contact us if you have any questions about the above tests, or to ask about a test not mentioned here.

Refer to our test sample collection page for details on how to collect material for submission. You can download a submission form here.

Pricing - please note that samples sent in one of our postage-paid satchels will incur an additional postage fee of $18.15 per satchel.

Terms and Conditions

• Parasite Diagnostic Services may require prior payment before results are released. This is likely when accounts are overdue.
• Parasite Diagnostic Services may contact new customers requesting invoices, so that details and terms can be confirmed.
• Customers are encouraged to phone when there are queries concerning results or invoices. Accounts can be contacted on 03 5979 4488 (Allfarm Animal Health). Have the invoice number ready.
• All prices include GST.
• When the lab sends you a separate invoice, each test costs more. Invoices will automatically be sent if the lab does not receive notification of payment via the bank statement or there is no payment method or detail enclosed with the samples. This invoice will be at the Invoice price.
• Invoices may be sent after you receive results.
• Samples sent to the lab Express Post receive priority lab processing.
• Samples hand delivered to the lab are processed as quickly as possible.
• Samples sent in Standard Post packs will not attract any extra postal fee on invoicing, and do not receive priority lab processing.
• All payments processed by Allfarm Pty Ltd. ABN 84 506 278 331. allfarm.com.au
• Prior arrangements are required to become an account holder.
• $25 per invoice will be charged on overdue payments.
• Parasite holds the right to cancel accounts where there is a history of poor payment compliance.
• Allfarm assesses 15 days post invoice issue as an overdue account for “Invoice Sent Later” customers.
• Allfarm assesses 31 days post invoice issue as an overdue account for “Account Holder” customers.
• Advice provided by the lab in response to questions is advisory. The lab provides some advice based on the information provided by clients.
• The lab personnel may elect not to provide advice to all clients, and may refer questions and results interpretations to the veterinarian.