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PARASITOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Poulpharm is a leading laboratory in coccidiosis research, with a unique expertise and a strong background on this topic. Every year more than 7 000 faecal samples are examined for counting and speciation Eimeria oocysts in different animals. Results are expressed in OPG (oocysts per gram of faeces).

In addition to the quantification and identification of coccidia in the faecal samples, Poulpharm has a real-time PCR method (qPCR) for the relative quantification of the different species Eimeria oocysts in chicken and turkey manure.

Research on roundworms and cestodes is carried out on a routine basis and customers can be informed on the presence of helminths eggs (e.g., Ascaridia spp., Heterakis spp., Capillaria spp.), expressed as EPG (eggs per gram of faeces).

Within the framework of Histomonas research, Poulpharm performs microscopical analysis and real-time PCR on different matrices (manure, organs, dust). The cultivation of Histomonas is also possible.

In vitro trials on coccidia and helminths are also available.

Research on ectoparasites, with Dermanyssus gallinae or red blood mite as the main arthropod of economic relevance, is carried out by means of counting as a rapid screening tool. Subsequently a sensitivity test can be carried out against commercially available antiparasitic agents.

Poulpharm has an extensive Biobank which can be used for the cultivation and preparation of inocula for various research purposes.