Besnoitiosis was confirmed in a pony which presented with inspiratory
dyspnoea, scleroderma and ventral oedema. Numerous cysts were visible
in the sclerae. Histological examination of the skin confirmed the pre
sence of numerous cysts. The parasite could not be transmitted by subc
utaneous injection of homogenised skin from the infected horse to rabb
its and a horse. Ultrastructural morphology of the crescent-shaped bra
dyzoites was not compatable with Besnoitia besnoiti or B. jellisoni an
d it is proposed that the infection was caused by B. bennetti.