The parasite multiplies in the herbivore forming cysts that contain many spores. The carnivore becomes infected when it eats meat from a herbivore with cysts. The parasite comes out in the carnivore s droppings and contaminates plants that are eaten by herbivores. It occurs in caribou, reindeer, and muskoxen. In Alaska, besnoitiosis occurs commonly in caribou.
Animals usually appear healthy.
Heavily infected animals may lose hair on their lower legs and face, and skin may be thick. Besnoitiosis can be most easily identified when skinning the lower legs. Similar tiny cysts may be visible on the eye. You cannot get besnoitiosis from infected animals. Meat from infected animals is suitable for human consumption.