Parasitology testing
Description
The Parasitology laboratory provides diagnostic testing on production, performance, native, exotic and companion animals. Parasitological techniques used by this laboratory include:
- Parasite identification
- Wet prep exam
- Baermann for lungworm
- Quantitative faecal examination
- Total worm counts of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) or GI washings
- Strongyloides using a modified McMaster worm egg count technique
- Worm typing (larval differentiation)
- Fluke sedimentation method
Tests available
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faecal egg count2 | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 1-2D |
Faecal egg count reduction - Drench test (resistance test) | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 8-10D |
Parasite and snail identification | Parasite or snail | Monday - Friday | 1 day -3 weeks |
Liver fluke - egg count2 | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 1-2 days |
Liver fluke test for export to Western Australia (individual testing only) Please contact Customer Service to discuss submission requirements & TAT for interstate/export submissions | Faeces | Monday - Friday | Varies4 |
| Lungworm (Baermann) | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 1-2D |
Total worm count - aliquot | Gastro-intestinal content | Monday - Friday | 1-2D |
Total worm count - bovine/ovine | Fresh tissue | On request | Contact lab |
Wet prep | Faeces or intestinal contents | Monday - Friday | 1-2D |
Worm test (faecal egg count)2 | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 1-2D |
| Worm typing (Larval differentiation)3 | Faeces | Monday - Friday | 8-10D |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 Pooled or individual samples accepted, although individual samples are preferred.
3 Larval differentiation is performed if the faecal egg count is > 100 eggs per gram. Results are presented as % Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia and Haemonchus. This test must be specifically requested on the submission form if required.
4Without prior arrangement 1-2 weeks. Priority service will incur an additional surcharge. Please contact Customer Service
to discuss.
Specimen requirements
Faeces
- Faeces from each animal collected into separate sterile containers as per below:
- 5 grams from each animal if pooling samples
- 10 grams from each animal if testing individual animals
- 10 grams from each animal if requesting export liver fluke testing to Western Australia
- 15 grams from each animal if requesting export testing to New Zealand
- The use of a WormTest kit for collection is recommended for flock or herd testing
- Refer to the sample collection guide for additional information on sample collection for faecal egg count (worm testing), or faecal egg count reduction (drench test).
Fresh tissue
- Abomasum, large intestine, small intestine or intestinal contents
- Submit chilled
Parasite or snail
- Whole parasite or snail
- Submit chilled or fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue
Scraping
- Aliquot of gut scraping
- Submit chilled
Further information
WormTest Kits
WormTest Kits provided by rural suppliers and from NSW DPI on request. They can be used as a simple and quick way to monitor your worm control program by checking drench effectiveness through standard faecal egg counts and are available for horse and livestock. They contain an information sheet, collection instructions, prepaid postage to the laboratory, a mailing container, a glove and ten sample containers. Two options are available:
- Worm test (faecal egg count) – Pooled (2 pools of 5 samples)
- This test is offered for up to ten animals and samples are pooled in the lab into two worm tests. This is a cost effective way to monitor your herd’s health and drenching needs. A minimum of 5 grams of faeces per animal is required.
- Worm test (faecal egg count) – Individual (10 individual samples)
- This test is offered for up to ten animals and each sample is tested and reported individually. Animals that are housed separately should be tested individually. Using this test you can benefit from the cost savings by submitting up to ten animals’ samples together from multiple sites. A minimum of 10 grams of faeces per animal is required.
Contact Customer Service or complete the online form to request a Worm Test kit.
