SCOPS video on ‘Collecting good quality faecal samples from sheep’.

A faecal egg count (FEC) counts the number of worm eggs in faeces (dung) and is used to monitor the worm burden in sheep. The results are presented as ‘eggs per gram’ (epg) of faeces and the number of eggs is an indication of the number of adult worms in the gut of the sheep.

Watch this video for tips on collecting good quality faecal samples.

FECs can be used to:-

• Help determine the need to treat
• Test the efficacy of a treatment – see testing for resistance
• Give information on the amount of contamination going onto the pasture