Parasitology Services

Sample Collection Guidelines

Fecal samples should be as fresh as possible. An ideal sample is one that never hits the ground.

Picking up feces that have been on the ground for an extended period of time carries the risk of poor results due to contamination, or perhaps even an non-evaluable sample.

Place the fecal sample into a zip lock style baggie and label with the animal identification/name.

Please keep samples refrigerated (never frozen) prior to shipping.

While samples must be kept cool, it is imperative that samples are never frozen. Parasite eggs shatter when frozen and can no longer be detected. The lab is in Connecticut, so during periods of cold weather, samples should be shipped with some form of insulation to prevent freezing.

How much feces will you need to send?

For egg per gram (EPG) counts for horses and ruminants (McMaster test), please ship about two fecal balls or about 1/4 cup. I will need about 10 grams of feces to run the test. For small animals (Modified Wisconsin test) please ship a sample at least the size of a lima bean.

Mail to

Susan Holzmer
29A Flagg Hill Road
Colebrook, CT 06021
sholzmer@gmail.com

Your samples will be processed and reports will be sent via email, normally within 1-3 days after receipt. Please check your junk folder if you do not see your report, and notify us if you have not received it.

Sample Submission

Please include the following information with your shipment:

-Name
-Phone number
-Email address
-Animal name or identification
-Requested test (McMaster (horses, ruminants), Modified Wisconsin (Pets, chickens, etc) or Baermann (horses, ruminants).
-Species the sample is from-this seems obvious but is critical to get you accurate results!
-If submitting samples for a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), please indicate the last time deworming was done and what product was used.

Sample Submission Form

Please Click Here to access the Sample Submission form.

Susan Holzmer holds a BS in Animal Science from University of Connecticut, an MS in Biology from University of Saint Joseph and MPS in Veterinary Parasitology from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Sue has over 35 years of experience in veterinary research.

Tests Offered

🔬 McMaster test: $15 per sample

The McMaster test is a quantitative test that is appropriate for animals that are typically infected with large numbers of strongyle type internal parasites such as horses, cattle, camelids and small ruminants. The sensitivity is ~25 to 50 EPG. Eggs per gram are reported to you.

This test is not appropriate for dogs, cats, swine or birds. If you have questions about what test is appropriate for your animals, please email me.

EPG counts estimate of how heavily an animal is infected with internal parasites (mainly gastrointestinal strongylid worms).

The McMaster test is a tool to help Guide Deworming Decisions

Rather than deworming animals on a fixed schedule, the McMaster test is used to:

• Identify animals that actually need treatment

• Avoid unnecessary use of dewormers

• Support targeted selective treatment

This helps slow the development of anthelmintic resistance (parasites becoming resistant to deworming drugs).

The test is also used in a Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT):

• A fecal sample is tested before deworming

• Another sample is tested 10–14 days after treatment

• The percentage reduction in egg count shows whether the dewormer is working

By sampling multiple animals, producers can assess herd health by:

• Monitoring overall parasite levels

• Tracking seasonal parasite trends

• Adjust grazing and management practices

  🔬 Modified Wisconsin test (centrifugal fecal flotation): $15 per sample
  
  The Modified Wisconsin fecal flotation test is a qualitative fecal examination technique designed to detect very low numbers of parasite eggs in feces. It is more sensitive than McMaster methods. Worm egg numbers are not typically reported with these tests, we will report the presence or absence of parasite eggs.

  The modified Wisconsin test is appropriate for animals that are not typically infected with large numbers of internal parasites, such as dogs, cats and birds.
  
  🔬 Baermann test: $25 per sample
  The Baermann fecal test (Baermann technique) is a diagnostic method used to detect live parasite larvae in feces, rather than parasite eggs.

  Its primary purpose is to diagnose infections with parasites that shed larvae instead of eggs; for example:
  
  Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – cats

  Dictyocaulus viviparus – cattle

  Dictyocaulus arnfieldi – horses

  Angiostrongylus vasorum – dogs
  
  Please note: The Baermann test takes about 5 days.

 FAQ

Q: What species of animals does Norman Labs test for parasites?
A: Horses, cattle, pigs, birds, dogs, cats, small ruminants, reptiles, etc. If you have any questions about your particular species of beast, send me an email and I’ll guide you.

Absolutely NO HUMANS.

Q: Who is the best small ruminant (goat, sheep, camelid) parasitologist in the whole wide world?
A: Sandi Walters of Meadowmist Laboratory Services, found here:
https://meadowmistlabservice.com/
I highly recommend Meadowmist labs for all of your goat needs. While I can certainly process small ruminant samples for you, Sandi is the GOAT. Just saying.