FECPAK and Intestinal Parasites in Livestock

An evaluation of using FECPAK to monitor roundworm egg counts in livestock faecal samples (to accompany the FECPAK users handbook).

Collecting Fresh Samples

Test Procedure

Counting Eggs

Identifying Egg Species and Interpreting Results

Conclusion

Introduction

"FECPAK" is a New Zealand designed faecal monitoring system for roundworm. It has been designed with the concept of providing the farmer with a diagnostic aid in his/her decision of, if and when, to drench affected stock.

The package consists of a portable case containing comprehensive information sheets, an instruction handbook, a microscope, measuring cylinder, measuring jug, two pipettes, four scoops, a double-chambered counting slide, a bottle for saline solution and weighing scales.

This equipment is designed to be used by the farmer in situ on the farm, to provide speedy results of individual and mob (group) samples. It is straightforward to set up and relatively easy to use. However, the farmer must allow time for collecting and reading samples in addition to learning the practice of egg-counting (see 'Collecting Fresh Samples' below).

Note:
Be prepared for this process of familiarisation to take up to 20 hours of practice, before one is fully confident using the low magnification to quickly scan the prepared microscope slide and easily identify eggs. Even then counting more than a few samples at a time through the monocular microscope is considerably tiring on the eyes.

FECPAK recommend that it is beneficial to obtain a trend in faecal egg counts (FECs) by frequent sampling, whereas a "one off" sample is of limited information value for aiding a policy decision. FECPAK operate "an egg is an egg" policy whereby all species of roundworm egg are counted.

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