Is 650eggs/g a high worm count?

Medium acc to Westgate labs, from whose site the following guidance is taken

If the count is less than 200 epg then it is a LOW count and your worming measures are working. If you are following a reduced worming plan you may still want to delay the next dose at this level.

If the count is between 200 epg and 1200 epg it is a MEDIUM count and the horse needs worming.

If the count is more than 1200 epg it is a HIGH count, the horse needs worming and the worming programme needs attention
 
It's medium. Between 200 - 1200 epg is medium. Higher than that is considered as high. You should always worm if the egg counts come back over 200epg. Remember worm counts don't test for tapeworm so unless you do a blood test remember you need to worm for tapeworm in Spring and Autumn.
 
Our yard follows a strategic worming programme, treating in response to worm counts and vet advice. We have just had a problem with pinworm which also does not show up on egg counts - a worm was spotted in droppings and a number of rubbed tails confirmed it. It has cost us quite a bit of money to eradicate. Each horse has had it's bottom "painted" daily over 30 days to kill any eggs and two courses of Panacur liquid 28 days apart.

Egg counts are only a partial plan to keep your horse worm free!!
 
Thanks for the replies.

My result came via Intelligent Worming (had to chase for a very VERY late sample result yesterday). Was told 650 was considered a 'HIGH' result by them, which I thought it probably wasn't dreadfully so. As is confirmed by your replies.

Dianeholmes: Yes, makes me wonder the usefullness some horse-owners place on worm counts: only worming when a count comes back as 'medium' or 'high'. I don't think everyone appreciates that a worm count is only partially accurate in indicating a horse's potential for worm burden.

I've only been using IW this year but am keeping an eye on count results to calculate the effectiveness of the plan. Previously (30+ years), when following my own worming schedules my horses have always had 'low' or 'negative' results from their twice annual counts. This might be a minor blip but if the counts remain high or increase, I'll reconsider renewing the IW program next year. We'll see.
 
Also a worm count will not show if your horse has encysted Red worms... If you have worries then you should always as for a blood test to check protein levels.... Low protein could mean encysted worms... Don't over worm though as this can have a negative effect.
 
The funniest thing I heard of recently was from a friend who is doing her BHS stages.
She was told you should never completely clear of poo as, ' as you need to leave some so that they will build up some restistance as you do not want them to have no worms at all'. If only it was as simple as that.
 
that is considered high on IW programme - I am on it too and apparently it is normal for the count to go up at the start of the programme whilst they work out what wormers you need - the 1st count was 0 and then the 2nd was 550 and is now back down to 0.
 
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