Epidemiological patterns of bovine besnoitiosis in an endemic beef cattle herd reared under extensive conditions.

•Epidemiological pattern of bovine besnoitiosis is explored in an endemically affected herd.•A continuous parasite transmission, even among subclinically infected animals, is observed.•Transmission is favoured by housing, when cattle cohabitate in close contact for long periods.•Clinical disease is mainly observed in older animals and is characterized by high immune responses.•Infection is reported in calves younger than 6months, likely due to contact during suckling.