Besnoitiosis
Introduction
Bovine besnoitiosis is a vector-transmitted disease caused by the protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. The disease spreads from one animal to another by insect vectors; specifically, biting flies such as Tabanus and Stomoxys. All cattle breeds, independent of sex or age, can be infected.
Cattle can show severe clinical signs of the disease, whereas infected sheep are often asymptomatic. Affected cattle can experience different stages of the disease with a range of symptoms including skin thickening and swelling, hair loss, and skin necrosis; bulls can become infertile. In severe cases, the disease can lead to the animal’s death. Cysts (200 – 600 µm in diameter) are found in the subcutaneous tissue, fascia and mucosa of infected animals and can survive for over ten years in the host animal.
Human health risk
There are no known risks to human health from this disease.
Economic impact
Besnoitia besnoiti infections cause substantial economic losses especially among cattle breeds due to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Diagnostic solution
It is crucial to identify infected animals early on to minimize spread of the disease.
Prionics now offers the PrioCHECK® Besnoitia Ab, a highly effective ELISA for the detection of anti-Besnoitia antibodies in bovine serum samples.
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