FLOTAC - improved diagnosis of parasites in faecal samples
FLOTAC is an improved method for visualising parasite eggs and oocysts in faecal samples that has been developed in the University of Naples. It is based on centrifugation of the counting cells to improve flotation and separation of the cells from the debris to improve visualisation. It is accurate to 1 egg per gram (epg) if both cells are used, or 2 epg if one side is counted. At the lower sensitivity 2 samples or 2 flotation solutions for 1 sample can be used. The University of Bristol has been offered sole rights in England for diagnostic purposes (the cells are not available commercially). Langford Veterinary Services are now pleased to be able to offer this service to veterinary surgeons.
Applications
Horses
To reduce anthelmintic use owners should only dose horses when egg counts reach 200 epg. We would recommend FECPAK for non-sensitive egg counts (1).
For detecting the development of resistance in both Parascaris in foals and cyathostomins FLOTAC should be used 4 weeks after treatment with ivermectin (2,3).
Cattle
The first report of ivermectin resistance in bovine nematodes in the northern hemisphere was published 10 years ago (4) and it is now believed to be common (5). We are undertaking Defra funded research to standardise detection of anthelmintic resistant nematodes in cattle. Once the time after treatment at which the samples should be collected has been determined we will be able to offer a service to beef and dairy farmers via their veterinary surgeons. FLOTAC can also be used for detection of patent liver fluke infections, lung worm larvae and coccidia.
In addition, a serum pepsinogen assay to determine seasonal exposure of first year grazing calves and a milk or serum anti-Ostertagia antibody analysis to determine the possible benefit of treatment can be offered. This could be of assistance to veterinary surgeons seeking to set up worm control strategies to optimise anthelmintic use as part of herd health plans.
Other species
FLOTAC could be useful for faecal estimations of oocyst and parasite eggs in dogs, cats, chickens, pigs etc. but these remain to be validated under UK conditions.
Publications
1. Presland, S.L., Morgan, E.R. and Coles, G.C. 2005. Counting nematode eggs in equine faecal samples. Vet. Rec. 156, 208-210.
2. Stoneham, S. and Coles, G. 2006. Ivermectin resistance in Parascaris equorum. Vet. Rec. 158, 572.
3. Dudeney, A., Campbell, C. and Coles, G.C. 2008. Macrocyclic lactone resistance in cyathostomins. Vet. Rec.163, 163-164.
4. Stafford, K. and Coles, G.C. 1999. Nematode control practices and anthelmintic resistance in dairy calves in the south west of England. Vet. Rec. 144, 659-661.
5. Coles, G., Bradley-Kidd, C., Francis, J., Stevenson, L. and Stafford K. 2008. Raising awareness of resistance. Veterinary Record 163, 697.