Yard collections
Hassle-Free Worm Egg Counts
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We currently operate collection routes across Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare, with additional areas added based on demand. Our routes include regular clients who complete worm egg counts on a 12-week cycle, making parasite management simple and consistent.
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This service is ideal for large yards, groups, and busy owners who don’t have the time during the week to collect and post samples to a lab.
Samples are prepared by the owner or yard representative and left out ready for collection. Not home? No problem - samples can be collected from the gate or a designated spot.
Our routes have been running successfully for over 2.5 years and continue to provide real value through convenience, reliability, and peace of mind.
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We are based in Limerick and travel between Limerick and Dublin very regularly.
Interest can be expressed for new or existing routes below.
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Taking a worm egg count sample
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Take a pinch from 4-5 different areas from across the same pile of fresh droppings to make a chicken egg size (important for determining a more accurate egg shedding rate). Samples should be collected fresh on day of postage where possible or refrigerated overnight.
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Packaging:
Collections: For drop offs and collections takin the sample in a ziplock bag labelled with horse name, age and owner details is sufficient. Remove all air before closing bag.
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Postage:
For postal submissions, samples must be packaged in a 3-layer system to comply with packaging regulations.
Option 1:
Label a ziplock bag with the horse’s name and age. Use the bag to take the sample (similar to how a dog poo bag is used for example).
Remove all air before closing.
Place the ziplock bag into a hard plastic container (examples: urine collection container from a pharmacy or similar).
Option 2: Fill a small 10 ml plastic pot full to the top with the sample so there is no air remaining.
Place the pot into a ziplock bag.
Place into bubble-wrap envelope with a note with owner details.
​The envelope should be marked “urgent diagnostic samples” and include the UN3373 sign.
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Post samples on day of collection before local An Post collection times (normally written on the post box). Refrigerate samples between collection and postage if there are any delays. The window between defecation and the time of testing should be as short as possible for accurate testing. Customer covers cost of postage (normally calculated on weight so keep samples as small as instructed). Normally, standard post is1-2 working days if samples are posted early enough but can be longer if there are any delays with An Post.
Express post usually ensures next day delivery. If multiple samples are included, owners are recommended to use express in case of delays.
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Address of Lab:
Targeted Worming Ireland
The Glen Old Mill
Newcastle West
Limerick
V42 TY01
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Time and storage conditions affect the speed of egg development in faecal samples.
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Removing air from bags is very important in slowing egg development.
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Where possible, samples should be posted on the day of sample collection before the local An Post pick up times (recommended to check with local post office).
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Last post collection times are listed for each office here https://www.anpost.com/Store-Locator. Getting the samples to the post box before last pick up means they will be in transit to be tested rather than sitting overnight. Samples must be collected fresh on the day of collection. The time between defecation and testing should be as short as possible for accurate testing. Refrigerating samples greatly slows egg development.
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Samples are refrigerated on receival until they are processed.