Experimental transmission of Besnoitia caprae in goats

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.