Worm Egg Count (WEC)

A worm egg count (WEC) is a fast and easy way to determine if you need to drench your sheep by counting a sample from your sheep's facies to gain an accurate number of eggs per gram (EPG).

We collect a fresh sample directly from the sheep and mix it with a solution to be able to better see the individual eggs, after which we count the total number of eggs in the sample and perform a calculation based on the sale to give us a final result.

No, we can only determine how many eggs per gram are present but not what types of worms. Depending on the number of eggs per gram will give a good guide of which drench to use.

Depending on the number of sheep you are running will depend on how many sheep should be tested. We recommend you test at least 10% of your flock to be able to gain better results.

Test are often as possible.

This will give you a better idea of your egg count over a year. Test whenever you are going to drench and when you think worms are present. Signs of worms include loss of weight, runny poos, lack of eating and in extreme cases death, but worms can still be heavily present even without these signs.

A worm test will reduce drench resistance. By performing a worm egg count we can determine if your sheep need a drench or not, by doing so we will only be drenching your sheep when they need to be drenched for worms and a worm egg count can be done about 4 weeks after they have been drenched to determine if the drench has been effective.

The results from the worm test will determine if your sheep need drenching or not. The final count will fall into one of these categories: 

<100 eggs per gram - There is a low amount of eggs, but nothing that is out of control.

100-200 eggs per gram - A small amount of eggs are present, drench may be needed if other symptoms are present.

200-300 eggs per gram - A moderate amount of eggs are present, drench would be advised to prevent any further spread.

300-400 eggs per gram - A substantial amount of eggs are present, drench is the best cause of action.

500> eggs per gram - An extreme amount of eggs are present, losses would be seen at this stage and immediate action should be taken.

It is important to note that which category your sheep will fall into will vary and Jono's Sheep Shearing Services will best advise on the correct course of action in each individual case.

All below costs exclude travel fee. For an accurate quote please call Jono's Sheep Shearing Services on 0424 723 589.

Individual test: $20 (Excluding travel fees)

For 1 sheep for a mob of up to 10 sheep.

Additional worm egg count at $10 for a mob of up to 10 sheep.

Bulk test level 1: $18 (Excluding travel fees)

For 2 sheep in a mob of up to 20 sheep. Includes drench at $3 per sheep.

Additional Worm egg count at $10 for a mob of up to 20 sheep.

Bulk test level 2: $17 (Excluding travel fees)

For 3 Sheep in a mob of up to 30 sheep. Includes drench at $2.50 per sheep.

Additional worm egg count at $8 for a mob of up to 30 sheep.

Bulk test level 3: $16 (Excluding travel fees)

For 4 sheep in a mob of up to 40 sheep. Includes drench at $2 per sheep.

Additional worm egg count at $5 for a mob of up to 40 sheep.