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Using Fecal Egg Counts On Your Farm

ID

APSC-166NP

Authors as Published

Dahlia O’Brien, Professor and Small Ruminant Specialist, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia State University; Kwame Matthews, Assistant Professor/Small Ruminant Specialist, Delaware State University; Niki Whitley, Senior Lecturer and Small Ruminant Specialist, Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program; and Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

This publication is available in an enhanced digital version and PDF.

Quantitative egg counts are important in any parasite control program and can aid producers in monitoring the rate of pasture contamination. In addition, fecal egg counts (FEC) can be used to determine drug resistance and in selecting or culling particular animals. It is important to note that most of the time, FEC should not be used as the only indicator of when to deworm individual animals. It should be used in conjunction with FAMACHA© (anemia) eye scores and other components of the Five Point Check©, possibly along with weight gain or loss, to determine treatment.


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Publication Date

September 17, 2019