Abstract:
Following a previous preliminary note on besnoitiosis in South African impala,
blue wildebeest and kudu, more details are reported on this disease in game. Particular
attention is given to the distribution of the cysts and the associated macro and
histopathological changes. A comparative study with besnoitiosis in five
bovines is outlined.
Some of the more salient findings of the investigation are the following: the
apparent absence of clinical signs of the disease in the antelopes examined; the almost
exclusive confinement of the cysts to the cardiovascular system of antelopes; the
marked incidence of cysts in the subcutaneous lymphatics of impala and in the peripheral
veins of the limbs of cattle and antelopes, the head of cattle and the jugular
veins of antelopes.
The significance of Besnoitia cysts within the vessels is discussed in relation to the
pathogenesis and transmission of the disease.
An incidental finding recorded is that of the nymphae of a specifically unidentified
pentastome within the cardiovascular system and liver of blue wildebeest and
kudu.
