ParaScreen

For horse owners and veterinary professionals across Massachusetts, maintaining the health of equine companions is a multifaceted responsibility. A cornerstone of preventative equine healthcare involves vigilant monitoring for internal parasites, which can significantly impact a horse's well-being and performance. This article introduces ParaScreen, a specialized facility located in North Grafton, Massachusetts, dedicated primarily to equine fecal parasite testing. As a key component of New England Horse Labs, ParaScreen offers crucial diagnostic services that help horse owners and veterinarians implement effective deworming strategies. This overview aims to provide Massachusetts locals with clear, engaging, and factual information about this valuable resource, emphasizing its role in supporting the health of horses throughout the Commonwealth.

In the rich equestrian landscape of Massachusetts, from the sprawling farms of the Berkshires to the active riding communities near Boston, horses are not just animals; they are partners, athletes, and beloved family members. The demand for precise and efficient diagnostic tools to manage their health is ever-present. ParaScreen, through its affiliation with New England Horse Labs, stands as a dedicated provider of critical diagnostic services, particularly focusing on parasitology. This specialization allows them to offer highly accurate and timely results, which are indispensable for tailored deworming programs. For local users, understanding the specific services and the expertise offered by ParaScreen can be instrumental in providing the best possible preventative care for their horses, contributing to healthier equine populations and more informed animal husbandry practices across the Bay State. We will explore their specific offerings, what sets them apart, and how their services are suitable for the unique needs of Massachusetts horse owners and their veterinarians.

ParaScreen is located at 12 Williams Rd, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA. This address places the facility within a hub of significant veterinary and animal health resources in Worcester County, notably near the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. For horse owners and veterinary clinics across Massachusetts, this location offers practical accessibility. North Grafton is strategically positioned with excellent access to major transportation arteries, including nearby Route 122 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). This connectivity makes it convenient for samples to be shipped or dropped off from various parts of the state, including areas like Worcester, Framingham, Shrewsbury, and even the broader New England region.

The fact that ParaScreen operates as part of New England Horse Labs at this address further implies a professional and well-equipped facility, designed for specialized diagnostic work. Ample parking and clear directional signage are typically features of such established locations, easing the logistical burden for those delivering samples. Its presence within a recognized veterinary cluster in North Grafton also suggests a commitment to high standards and collaboration within the animal health community. This thoughtful placement ensures that veterinarians and horse owners across Massachusetts have straightforward access to essential diagnostic testing for equine parasites, supporting timely and effective health management.

ParaScreen, as a specialized equine testing facility operating under New England Horse Labs, primarily focuses on parasitology services for horses and other large animals. Their core offerings are centered around diagnostic testing for internal parasites, crucial for effective deworming programs. While they are not a general veterinary clinic providing medical treatments or surgical procedures, their diagnostic capabilities are vital for comprehensive equine health management. The main services offered typically include:

• Quantitative Fecal Egg Counts (McMaster's Technique): This is their flagship service. They analyze equine (and other large animal like caprine, ovine, camelid) fecal samples to identify and count parasite eggs per gram of feces. This quantitative method helps veterinarians determine the worm burden in a horse and make data-driven decisions about deworming, moving away from indiscriminate deworming practices and towards targeted parasite control.
• Parasite Identification: Beyond just counting, they identify the specific types of parasite eggs present (e.g., strongyles, ascarids), which is critical for selecting the most effective deworming medications.
• Pre- and Post-Treatment Fecal Testing: They facilitate testing before deworming to assess the baseline parasite load and after treatment to evaluate the efficacy of the dewormer. This helps detect drug resistance and ensures treatment success.
• Coggins Testing (EIA): As part of New England Horse Labs, they also perform Coggins testing (Equine Infectious Anemia), which is a mandatory blood test for horses crossing state lines, attending shows, or changing ownership. This is a crucial diagnostic service for equine health regulations and trade.
• Sample Collection Kits: They provide convenient kits including submission forms, instructions, specimen containers, and pre-addressed, postage-paid mailers, making it easy for horse owners and veterinarians to collect and submit samples.
• Fast Turnaround Times: They often emphasize quick processing of samples, with routine testing performed daily and STAT services available, ensuring prompt results for timely veterinary intervention.
• Electronic Reporting: Results are typically sent directly to the veterinarian or horse owner via email, ensuring efficient communication of diagnostic findings.

These specialized services are fundamental for implementing strategic parasite control programs, which are essential for maintaining the health, performance, and longevity of horses in Massachusetts. Their focus on diagnostics allows them to provide precise and actionable data to support equine veterinarians and owners.

While specific customer reviews for "ParaScreen" were not available, based on its established presence as "New England Horse Labs" and its service offerings, we can infer several key features and highlights that make it a valuable resource:

• Specialized Expertise in Equine Parasitology: Their dedicated focus on equine fecal testing means they possess deep expertise in this specific area of veterinary diagnostics. This specialization translates into highly accurate results and informed interpretations of parasite burdens in horses.
• Efficiency and Fast Turnaround: As a diagnostic lab, efficiency is paramount. The ability to perform routine testing daily and offer STAT services suggests a commitment to providing timely results, which is critical for making swift decisions about deworming and managing horse health.
• USDA-APHIS Inspected and Approved Facility: Being a USDA-APHIS inspected and certified equine testing lab (as part of New England Horse Labs) signifies adherence to rigorous national standards for quality control and laboratory procedures. This provides immense confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their test results.
• Convenient Sample Submission: The provision of comprehensive sample collection kits, including pre-paid mailers, greatly simplifies the process for horse owners and veterinarians to submit samples. This convenience removes barriers to routine testing and encourages proactive health management.
• Support for Targeted Deworming: Their quantitative fecal egg count results enable veterinarians to move away from blanket deworming and towards targeted deworming strategies. This approach is crucial for preventing drug resistance in parasites, a growing concern in equine health, and reduces unnecessary chemical exposure for horses.
• Benefit for Horse Owners and Veterinarians: The services are designed to be user-friendly for horse owners (e.g., mail-in kits) while providing essential, detailed data for veterinarians to make informed treatment decisions. This collaborative support system benefits the entire equine care team.
• Contribution to Equine Health Management: By providing accurate diagnostic data, ParaScreen plays a vital role in preventing and controlling parasitic diseases, thereby contributing significantly to the overall health, welfare, and productivity of horses across Massachusetts and beyond.

These highlights underscore ParaScreen's role as a trusted and essential partner in preventative equine healthcare.

For Massachusetts residents and veterinary professionals seeking to utilize the diagnostic services of ParaScreen (part of New England Horse Labs), here is their contact information:

Address: 12 Williams Rd, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA

Phone: (774) 293-5051

Mobile Phone: +1 774-293-5051

It is advisable to contact them directly for specific instructions on sample submission, pricing for various tests, and current turnaround times. Their dedicated phone lines ensure that horse owners and veterinarians can easily connect with their team for guidance and support regarding equine parasite diagnostics.

In conclusion, ParaScreen, operating as a key component of New England Horse Labs in North Grafton, is an indispensable and highly suitable resource for Massachusetts locals involved in equine care. Its specialized focus on accurate and efficient parasite diagnostics, particularly through quantitative fecal egg counts and Coggins testing, makes it a vital partner for horse owners and veterinarians alike. The convenient location in North Grafton, coupled with the provision of user-friendly sample collection kits, removes logistical barriers to essential preventative testing. For anyone in Massachusetts committed to implementing a data-driven approach to equine deworming and overall health management, ParaScreen offers expert services delivered by a USDA-APHIS inspected and approved facility. Choosing ParaScreen means ensuring that your horse receives targeted, effective care, contributing to healthier animals and more responsible animal husbandry practices throughout the Bay State. Their dedication to precise diagnostics supports the proactive health management that every horse deserves.

ParaScreen

12 Williams Rd, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA