Fecal Egg Counts: A Valuable Diagnostic Tool

Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) are an efficient diagnostic tool that can be used for many things. First and foremost, FEC will allow you to diagnose and determine the level of parasitisms that are infecting your flock or herd. In order to effectively and functionally administer parasite control methods, whether it be a dewormer, culling, or some other management strategy, you first must understand what is going on inside of your animals. FEC give you a bird’s eye view of their parasitisms and allow you to closely monitor the situation as the grazing season progresses. 

Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests

Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT) play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of anthelmintic treatments. By assessing the FEC fecal egg before a single dewormer is administered and again two weeks later from the SAME animal(s), then applying the counts to a simple equation (see below), you will be able to determine almost immediately the level of anthelmintic resistance on your operation. It is essential that you only use a single dewormer at a time when conducting a FECRT; this is so that you will be able to determine exactly which dewormers are working, and more importantly, not working. This information allows for informed decisions regarding treatment protocols, reducing/slowing the development of drug resistance.

Culling and the 80:20 Rule

A natural phenomenon that occurs in any given livestock group, such as your operation, is the 80:20 Rule. Here about 80% of the parasites are found in about 20% of the animals. This is true for any closed population of animals that has been allowed to come to an equilibrium with their parasites. (It should be noted that if you bring new animals on to your operation frequently, this rule does not apply.) Through FEC, a producer can determine the 20% of animals that are responsible for the 80% of parasitisms that are occurring on their place, cull these 20%, and they will have taken care of the majority of their worm problem. 

Once you have identified the animals that harbor the highest parasitisms and removed them from your operation, the 80:20 distribution will still be in effect, however the intensity of the parasitisms will be reduced, making the parasite situation easier to manage. Following the FEC regularly will allow you to determine if any more animals need to be culled from your herd or flock. 

Timely Detection and Targeted Treatment

Conducting FEC enables producers to identify animals that require treatments; typically treatments are only considered if the FEC is 1000 epg or higher, and then only if the animals is displaying other signs of parasitisms. This is called a “Treatment Checklist” (high FEC, pale eyelids <FAMACHA Score>, poor body condition, poor production status <poor milk production, poor weight gain, small babies that are not growing, etc.>) and should be applied each and every time a deworming treatment is considered. This information facilitates targeted treatments, ensuring that individuals that are heavily parasitized receive the necessary attention while minimizing unnecessary deworming treatments. By treating only the animals that require it, farmers can optimize their parasite management strategy, slow anthelmintic resistance on their operation, and reduce treatment costs.

Monitoring Parasite Population Dynamics

Regularly performing FEC and FECRT over time in a set population of animals helps in monitoring the population dynamics of internal parasites. By tracking the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments, farmers can identify any signs of reduced drug efficacy or emerging resistance in the parasite population in a very short amount of time. This knowledge allows for proactive adjustments to treatment protocols, preventing potential future outbreaks and minimizing the spread of drug-resistant parasites.

Comprehensive Parasite Management Strategy

Incorporating FEC tests into an overall your parasite control management plan enhances its effectiveness. Developing a Treatment Checklist used for determining deworming applications and combining other preventive measures such as pasture rotation, grazing management, and co-species/alternate species grazing, farmers can develop a comprehensive strategy to combat better manage internal parasites. FEC serve as an essential diagnostic tool within this integrated approach, enabling farmers to make data-driven, informed decisions for the health and long-term productivity of their small ruminants and camelids.

Conducting FECRT in small ruminants and camelids is crucial for effective parasite management and should be conducted every time a dewormer is given. By regularly assessing the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments, targeted and timely interventions can be implemented, ensuring optimal health and productivity. Monitoring parasite populations and making informed decisions based on the test results contribute to the reduction/slowing of drug resistance and the overall well-being of your animals. As responsible farmers, embracing FEC and FECRT as part of a comprehensive parasite management strategy is key to safeguarding the welfare of our small ruminants and camelids, and maximizing their productivity.