16/09/2026
'Cycling up'
A phrase that's often used in parasitology, but what does it mean? Faecal egg counts can remain low or stable for long periods of time. But when conditions are right (for the parasite), egg-laying resumes and the pattern below gathers pace....
Eggs → larvae → grazing → adult worms → more eggs
In warm, moist conditions, eggs hatch faster, producing more infective larvae on the pasture. More larvae → more adult worms → more eggs.
When conditions remain favourable, this cycle repeats, and worm burdens can quickly increase or “cycle up”.
What does this look like down the microscope?
From a blank slide and a zero egg count only 18 days ago, the slide today tells a completely different story. We now have an egg count of 5870epg.
This is unmistakable when you look down the microscope, and interestingly, in this case, one predominant egg type.
If you'd like me to analyse your camelid faecal samples, then follow this link https://www.lymealpacas.co.uk/sample-analysis
If you would like to understand more about camelid parasitology and monitor your own herd samples, then take a look at the Introduction to Parasitology Course https://www.alpacaparasites.com/
Or simply enjoy the images in this post - cycling up in an alpaca near you?
