Experimental transmission of Besnoitia caprae from naturally chronically-in
fected goats to susceptible ones was achieved by intra-nasal instillation a
nd intra-conjunctival inoculation of cystozoite-containing suspensions, sub
cutaneous implantation of fascia containing cysts and alternate needle pric
king between the infected and non-infected goats. Typical chronic symptoms
developed in the fascia-infected does. Cystozoite inoculation into the eyes
and mouth did not result in infection. Kids born of dams with acute and ch
ronic besnoitiosis did not contract the infection in utero, suggesting that
intra-uterine transmission may not occur. In contrast to does with acute b
esnoitiosis, which occasionally aborted, the does with chronic besnoitiosis
gave birth to healthy kids. Kids below the age of 4 months (pre-weaned per
iod) born of both infected and non-infected does were susceptible to besnoi
tiosis but appeared to be more resistant than adult goats.