The recovery of added nematode eggs from horse and sheep faeces by three methods.
Authors: Bosco Antonio, Maurelli Maria Paola, Ianniello Davide, Morgoglione Maria Elena, Amadesi Alessandra, Coles Gerald C, Cringoli Giuseppe, Rinaldi Laura
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Comparing Faecal Egg Count Methods in Equine Practice Faecal egg counting forms the cornerstone of modern parasite control programmes in horses, yet the rising threat of anthelmintic resistance demands that we rely on accurate, reproducible results. Antonio et al. evaluated three counting techniques—Mini-FLOTAC (with Fill-FLOTAC), McMaster and Cornell-Wisconsin methods—by introducing known quantities of nematode eggs (at 10, 50, 200 and 500 EPG) into parasite-free faecal samples from both horses and sheep to assess whether the faecal matrix influences recovery rates. The Mini-FLOTAC method demonstrated superior analytical sensitivity and precision across all egg concentrations and faecal matrices tested, making it the most reliable choice for detecting low-level infections and monitoring treatment efficacy in clinical settings. Importantly, the study revealed that faecal matrix composition does affect egg recovery, suggesting that standardising sample preparation and methodology is critical if results are to be comparable across different yards and laboratories. For practitioners implementing targeted selective treatment or monitoring resistance patterns, adopting Mini-FLOTAC provides greater confidence in parasite burden assessment and more informed decision-making around anthelmintic use.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Consider adopting Mini-FLOTAC methodology if implementing faecal egg count testing for anthelmintic resistance monitoring, as it provides more reliable results than traditional McMaster or Cornell-Wisconsin methods
- •Understand that faecal egg counts below 50 EPG have lower reliability across all methods; interpret very low counts with caution when making treatment decisions
- •Mini-FLOTAC's superior performance makes it particularly valuable for detecting resistance early when parasite burdens are lower, supporting targeted anthelmintic programs
Key Findings
- •Mini-FLOTAC showed superior analytical sensitivity and accuracy compared to McMaster and Cornell-Wisconsin methods across all tested egg counts (10-500 EPG)
- •Faecal matrix origin (equine vs ovine) affected egg recovery rates, with Mini-FLOTAC demonstrating better consistency regardless of matrix type
- •All three methods showed reduced precision at lower egg counts (10 EPG), with Mini-FLOTAC maintaining better performance than alternatives
- •The study validates Mini-FLOTAC as the most reliable technique for faecal egg count monitoring in anthelmintic resistance programs