Bovine besnoitiosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. The disease is common in Asia, Africa and Mediterranean regions. However, the disease has spread to the more northern parts of France and has recently affected a herd in Germany. To minimize the spread of the disease it is crucial to identify in particular sub clinically infected animals. To meet this need Prionics has launched the only commercially available test on the market for diagnosing bovine besnoitiosis.

In Europe, the occurrence of the disease has been limited to Spain, Portugal and the south of France. In recent years however, cases have been discovered in northern parts of France and in Bavaria, Germany, suggesting that the disease is spreading. Until recently there was no commercial diagnostic test available for the disease. Prionics has now filled this gap by offering the PrioCHECK^® Besnoitia Ab, the first and only commercial test available for diagnosing the presence of bovine besnoitiosis.

Disease symptoms
The transmission of the disease is to date not fully understood. One possible transmission route of the protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti might be by biting flies such as Tabanus and Stomoxys. All cattle breeds, independent of sex or age, can be infected. Some cattle suffering from besnoitiosis can show severe clinical signs. Affected cattle can experience different stages of the disease with a range of symptoms including skin thickening and swelling, hair loss, and skin necrosis. Infection in bulls can lead to infertility. Besnoitia besnoiti infections can cause substantial economic losses and bovine health impairment.

Effective and efficient solution to besnoitiosis
The PrioCHECK^® Besnoitia Ab is a highly effective tool for comprehensive screening, and monitoring of besnoitiosis within cattle herds. It is also useful for application in the animal trade sector to minimize the risk of introducing new infections to a region. The test detects antibodies against the besnoitiosis parasite in blood samples of infected animals. As a result, infected animals can be isolated or culled, minimizing the spread of infection. Due to the simple procedure and short testing times, screening and monitoring of herds is carried out very efficiently and fast with the PrioCHECK^® Besnoitia Ab.