Sample collection
ABC's of sample collection
Always collect samples from fresh, warm dung and from multiple points in the dung pile as eggs are not always evenly distributed throughout the dung.
What you'll need
Ziplock bag(s) (A sandwich bag is a good size)
Gloves (Not required for the reverse bag method)
Plastic tablespoon(s) (Not required for the reverse bag method)
Marker to write on the bag(s)
Dos and Don’ts
What to write on the bag (It is often easier to do this prior to collection, rather than after)
your/farms name
the date
the animals' individual/ flock/ herds identification
When collecting the sample do not collect dung that is touching the ground and avoid collecting foreign materials, such as dirt, grass, stones, etc.
Samples should be collected from the top and middle areas of the dung pile.
Use a clean spoon or fresh glove (when collecting by hand) for each individual (unless using the bag as a glove to collect the sample)
When sealing the bag, it is important to remove as much air as possible.
The sample should be cooled as soon as possible after collection, don't leave it to sit out.
Samples should be stored in a refrigerator, or in a cooler box with ice packs for short durations/transport. Keep samples cool until they can be analysed.
When using a cooler box, it is important that samples are not placed directly on the ice packs as this may destroy the parasite eggs. We recommend placing a piece or two of newspaper between the ice packs and the sample.
Never store samples in the freezer!!!
While guidelines allow for samples to be stored in a refrigerator for up to 6 days, we prefer to analyse them as early as possible to give you real-time results and ask that you collect your sample within 24 hours of pick-up time, the closer the better.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding sample collection please do not hesitate to contact us.
Step by step for sheep
Label the bag to be used with
your/farms name
the date
the individual ID/ flock ID
Collect the sample from a freshly deposited and warm pile of dung (use the back of a gloved hand to feel for warmth if you are not sure).
For individuals
Use a plastic tablespoon or glove to collect roughly 15 - 20 pellets in total from different locations close to the top and from the middle of the dung pile.
For routine flock testing
Please submit samples individually
Use a plastic tablespoon or glove to collect roughly 5 pellets worth of dung per dung pile from different locations within the pile.
This should be repeated for 10 individuals within a flock, at random.
All samples should be fresh, and no pile should be actively selected. If you are concerned about a particular individual rather submit an individual sample for them
Seal the bag while removing as much of the air as possible.
Cool the sample.
Repeat as necessary for all individuals/flocks requiring testing.
Tips for collecting
A flock sample can be collected by gathering sheep into the corner of a field for a few minutes and then collecting the samples once they move away or you can collect samples while out herding, particularly if specific individuals are to be tested.
When looking to collect samples from lambs, this can often be achieved after they have been resting, particularly early in the morning as they get up, as they tend to produce a sample upon arising.
Step by step for cattle
Label the bag to be used with
your/farms name
the date
the individual ID/ flock ID
Collect the sample from a freshly deposited and warm pile of dung (use the back of a gloved hand to feel for warmth if you are not sure).
For individuals
Use a plastic tablespoon or glove to collect 4 heaped tablespoons in total from different locations in the middle of the patty.
For routine herd testing
Please submit samples individually
Use a plastic tablespoon or glove to collect approximately 1 heaped tablespoon in total from different locations in the middle of the patty.
This should be repeated for 10 individuals within a herd, at random.
All samples should be fresh, and no pile should be actively selected. If you are concerned about a particular individual rather submit an individual sample for them
Seal the bag while removing as much of the air as possible.
Cool the sample.
Repeat as necessary for all individuals/flocks requiring testing.
We also offer on site testing so you can make even faster decisions should you need to
