Collecting Samples

We suggest that you do not mail samples on Fridays.

Faeces Collection for  Worm Egg Count & Coccidiosis

Collection

• For standard worm and coccidiosis tests you should supply approximately one tablespoon (5-10 grams) of fresh faeces per animal. We require at least 4 grams of faeces (per animal) for cattle, horses and camels and other livestock. Search YOUTUBE for How to collect fecal sample 

• Collect only fresh samples. Older, harder or drier samples are harder to assess and will lead to inaccurate results.

• For testing groups of animals we recommend submitting 10 fresh faecal samples for each herd/mob/flock. We can perform individual counts for each of the 10 samples, or one bulk count for the group. For the latter we will combine the 10 samples, or you may submit one pooled sample for the group. Bulk counts are cheaper and will show the average count across the group, while individual counts will an idea of the spread of infection across animals within the group.

• For sheep sample collection it is often practical to move the mob into a clean corner of the yard and leave them for 5 minutes. Then move the animals away and collect 10 fresh samples from the ground. Best to collect directly from its anus if possible. 

• Please keep material refrigerated (but not frozen) if there is a delay between collection and mailing, unless you require horse larval cultures as refrigeration will reduce the viability of the horse worm eggs. If the samples are kept too long at room temperature then the eggs may start to hatch and test results will be inaccurate.

Mailing

• Please place no more than one tablespoonful of faeces in each small bag or collection tube. Please do not overfill or the material will expand in the post and the tubes will leak!

• Please seal all the bags and then pack carefully.

• Keep your paperwork (submission forms) separate from the samples, as the forms may become soggy and unreadable if the samples leak.

• If sending more than one group, up to 5 mobs may be entered on the submission form.

• If the weather is hot an ice brick will help keep the samples fresh and prevent worm eggs from hatching. For larger numbers of samples you may elect to send the samples in a polystyrene foam box or Esky to keep them cooler.

• Fit as many samples in one satchel as possible (to reduce cost), or tape or tie envelopes securely together, leaving one address label clearly visible.

• If your samples are urgent, consider sending by Express Post. These samples will be given a higher priority.

• If you are in Greater Sydney, Southern Highland or Wollongong region, you should bring sample directly to the Lab. Just drop the sample in the mailbox of our Lab, we will start process immediately.

• SHIPPING ADDRESS: BIODX, SUITE 3 (Level 1), 251 QUEEN STREET, CAMPBELLTOWN, NSW 2560

Special Note For Drench Resistance Tests:

• The youngest animals on the property should be tested.

• Before drenching submit a bulk worm egg test (group count) to ensure that there are a minimum of 300 worm eggs per gram of faeces (epg) present.

• Test again 10-14 days after drenching, collect 10 faecal samples from each group of 15 animals. This allows for some individuals that may not produce samples.

• Collect samples directly from the animals, not the ground, to avoid contamination with microscopic worm eggs which will still be lying on the ground.