Bordetella (Kennel Cough): An Overview
Dog Breeds
Bordetellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease of cats that causes mild to severe respiratory symptoms, especially in kittens and other cats with underdeveloped or weakened immune systems. The causative organism, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a small, aerobic gram-negative coccobacillus microorganism that targets the upper respiratory tract of cats, dogs and even people.
Read More >
Definition of Bordetellosis
Bordetellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease of cats that causes mild to severe respiratory symptoms, especially in kittens and other cats with underdeveloped or weakened immune systems. The causative organism, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a small, aerobic gram-negative coccobacillus microorganism that targets the upper respiratory tract of cats, dogs and even people.
How Bordetellosis Affects Cats
Cats exposed to Bordetella bronchiseptica are much less commonly affected clinically than are dogs. Some cats are chronic carriers of the bacteria and periodically shed it without ever showing any clinical signs. Other cats show only periodic mild symptoms, while some - especially very young kittens – will develop severely progressive and life-threatening bronchopneumonia. When affected cats do show clinical signs of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, they typically include fever, sneezing and nasal and ocular discharge which last less than 2 weeks. Cats also can have enlarged lymph nodes and lose their appetite. Coughing is an inconsistent sign in cats. Kittens can die in as little as 12 hours after their initial signs appear. The most threatening aspect of Bordetella infection is that it can weaken the cat’s immune system to the point where dangerous secondary bacterial and viral infections can occur.
Causes of Bordetellosis in Cats
The bacterium that causes bordetellosis in cats is the same one that is responsible for causing “kennel cough” in dogs. Infected dogs can transmit this infection to cats, and vice versa. Bordetella bronchiseptica can be transmitted through aerosolized microdroplets from infected animals and also by direct physical contact. It is highly contagious. Barking, hissing, spitting and meowing are all common animal behaviors that can release infectious secretions into the air. This disease tends to plague areas that house multiple cats, especially if the cat population continually changes. Catteries, pet shops and animal shelters are primary sites for bordetellosis. Kittens and unvaccinated cats that live outdoors are also at increased risk of developing clinical disease.
Preventing Feline Bordetellosis
Given the extreme contagiousness of this disease, the best prevention is to avoid contact between infected and non-infected animals. New animals should be separated from household members for several weeks to reduce the chance of cross-infection. Good hygiene and responsible feeding and environmental care are of course important to the welfare of any companion animal. Vaccinations are available for feline bordetellosis, although their effectiveness is somewhat questionable. They are not routinely used, but can be considered in high-risk, multi-cat environments.
Special Notes
Bardetellosis is a zoonotic disease. It is especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, who should not be around infected animals.
Causes of Bordetella in Cats