FEC Tests Ewes

Username John

Hello,

I got one test done on the lambs the start of May (The result was apparently too numerous Coccodia eggs to count, so dosed with Vecoxan)
I was happy I did the test, cos I was just going to dose with a white wormer, as the lambs didn't look dirty. But I think they are in the better of the Vecoxan dose.

I am thinking of getting a test done on the ewes now, as they are getting dirty...

Just wondering if anyone is doing the FEC test option for STAP? If so - does anyone know how often you should test?
Given what I found with the lambs, I wonder is it a case of once the sheep / lambs are dirty, its a bit late... ?

EDIT : I am paying 10euro / test. Just wondering what others are paying?



Thank in advance.

Cran

No use to your question but was wondering how did you organsie the test was it just through your vet?

Username John

Cran wrote: »

No use to your question but was wondering how did you organsie the test was it just through your vet?

No - I got it done myself. There is a lab in the town that does the tests, so I can drop it in to them, and they email me the results in the evening. Good service.

I did it through my vet before, and it just added too much delay...

rancher

Username John wrote: »

Hello,

I got one test done on the lambs the start of May (The result was apparently too numerous Coccodia eggs to count, so dosed with Vecoxan)
I was happy I did the test, cos I was just going to dose with a white wormer, as the lambs didn't look dirty. But I think they are in the better of the Vecoxan dose.

I am thinking of getting a test done on the ewes now, as they are getting dirty...

Just wondering if anyone is doing the FEC test option for STAP? If so - does anyone know how often you should test?
Given what I found with the lambs, I wonder is it a case of once the sheep / lambs are dirty, its a bit late... ?

EDIT : I am paying 10euro / test. Just wondering what others are paying?



Thank in advance.

Ewes always get dirty at this time of year, unlikely to be worms, experts only advise dosing thin ewes this time of year, ewes will have a higher worm count but have better immunity so can handle them,
High coccidia count doesn't always mean problems as some strains are harmless, here's a good information website......http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/files/pub-sheep-coccidiosis.pdf.
We do our own FEC about every 5-6 weeks, and do it ourselves but I've been told a lab in portumna, Co Galway charges €5/ sample

Vandy West

Username John wrote: »

Hello,

I got one test done on the lambs the start of May (The result was apparently too numerous Coccodia eggs to count, so dosed with Vecoxan)
I was happy I did the test, cos I was just going to dose with a white wormer, as the lambs didn't look dirty. But I think they are in the better of the Vecoxan dose.

I am thinking of getting a test done on the ewes now, as they are getting dirty...

Just wondering if anyone is doing the FEC test option for STAP? If so - does anyone know how often you should test?
Given what I found with the lambs, I wonder is it a case of once the sheep / lambs are dirty, its a bit late... ?

EDIT : I am paying 10euro / test. Just wondering what others are paying?



Thank in advance.

According to terms and conditions, not supposed to test till June, so not sure if your first test will count. If first test comes back with egg count < 600 then repeat 'first' test again in 3-4 weeks. If first test egg count > 600, then drench and retest. Length of time from drench to second test depends on type of drench used.
You only have to test lambs for stap.

Username John

Well - I sent off the FEC test on my ewes anyways... prob as much out of curiosity as anything...

Results :


Positive for Rumen fluke...

I know we have moved away from recommended dosing times, and blanket dosing every X weeks, etc...

But can anyone tell me what is the thinking on when one should be dosing for rumen fluke? Must do some reading tonight on it...

Username John

rancher wrote: »

We do our own FEC about every 5-6 weeks, and do it ourselves but I've been told a lab in portumna, Co Galway charges €5/ sample

I have done some reading re doing the FEC tests myself...

Its something I would like to look at... I guess first thing I need is a microscope?

rancher

Username John wrote: »

I have done some reading re doing the FEC tests myself...

Its something I would like to look at... I guess first thing I need is a microscope?

Don't know if you follow farmingforum where its being discussed at the moment, but here's a link anyway,some great information on it.
http://farmingforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11800-Fecpak-pros-and-cons