بوردتلوز گربه‌ای (بوردتلا برونشی‌سپتیکا)

Overview

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a respiratory pathogen that can act alone or alongside viruses in feline respiratory disease, with severity ranging from mild to life-threatening pneumonia.

Causes

It spreads through respiratory secretions and close contact. Crowding, stress, poor ventilation, and concurrent viral infection increase risk, so shelters and catteries see most cases.

Signs

Signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and coughing. Kittens may develop bronchopneumonia with rapid breathing, lethargy, and sometimes sudden death.

Diagnosis

Bacterial culture or PCR from oropharyngeal swabs or airway samples confirms infection; chest imaging assesses pneumonia.

Treatment & Management

Appropriate antibiotics such as doxycycline, guided where possible by culture, are the mainstay, with supportive care for dehydrated or pneumonic cats.

Prevention

Reducing crowding and stress and improving ventilation help. An intranasal vaccine is available for higher-risk settings. People with weakened immunity should take hygiene precautions.