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Tips for Fecal Sampling and Storage
Samples should be stored in airtight and leak-proof containers or plastic bags.
Collected manure should be as fresh as possible. Samples less than 12 hours
old are acceptable but should be refrigerated immediately after collection
(Nielsen et al., 2010b).
Refrigeration is always recommended for storage of fecal samples, but
anaerobic storage at room temperature will also prevent eggs from hatching.
Anaerobic storage can be achieved by squeezing all the air out of the bag, or
by using a vacuum-sealing device. Note that anaerobic storage works best on
wet feces; if feces are dry, it is difficult to achieve an anaerobic state.
Samples should preferably be tested within 7 days
of collection, although there are indications that eggs can remain intact for
longer if adequately refrigerated.
Fecal samples that are or have been frozen are not acceptable, as this will
damage the eggs and decrease the recovery rate.
Diarrhea samples are not acceptable for FEC, but can be used for qualitative
testing. Note that if a horse has diarrhea that may be associated with
parasitism, deworming may be indicated per clinician's recommendations
without regard to results of the FEC.
Controlling Internal Parasites in Horses
From "Internal Parasite Control Guidelines," American Association of Equine Practitioners. https://aaep.org/document/internal-parasite-control-guidelines. Accessed online February 13, 2023.
