The University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, has developed a video to help you easily collect a fecal sample to use for doing a fecal egg count as part of the Help for Horse Owners series.

They note that performing regular fecal egg counts is an important part of internal parasite management for your horses. They suggest you request feces are examined for a strongyle egg count in any horses age 2 or older.

Here’s their simple fecal collection steps:

1. Write the date and horse’s name on a resealable plastic bag.

2. Take another resealable plastic bag and turn it inside-out over your hand.

3. With your hand inside the bag, pick up a fresh fecal mass. Don’t select any that is touching the ground.

4. Use the other hand to pull the bag over your hand with the sample, turning the bag right side out.

5. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bag.

6. Place that bag inside the bag you have labeled.

7. Store in a cool place, such as a refrigerator.

8. Deliver your fecal sample to your vet or the testing lab within 48 hours.

9. Do not place the sample in the freezer or leave it in your car as extreme cold or heat can kill parasites, defeating the purpose of collecting the sample.

For more information from the Equine Guelph program visit their website.