Wild ruminant sera (n = 2608) from areas where bovine besnoitiosis is present were tested.
Only one red deer and one roe deer were proved to be seropositive.
Besnoitia spp. DNA was detected in a lymph node from a seropositive red deer.
Microsatellite analysis suggested B. besnoiti identity.
Wild ruminants do not pose a risk of transmitting the infection to cattle.