Management of a Feline Bordetellosis Outbreak in a Limited-Admission Animal Shelter in the Southeast US

Elizabeth Fuller; Kathleen V. Makolinski; Miranda Tipton; Elizabeth A. Berliner

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v4.147

Authors

Elizabeth Fuller Charleston Animal Society, Charleston, SC, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4923-6367
Kathleen V. Makolinski American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), NYC, NY, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0485-763X
Miranda Tipton East Asheville Family Vet, Asheville, NC, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3245-6788
Elizabeth A. Berliner American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), NYC, NY, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5513-379X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v4.147

Keywords:

Bordetella bronchiseptica, feline respiratory disease , animal shelter, shelter medicine , outbreak , risk assessment

Abstract

Feline bordetellosis is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, a primary pathogen in domestic cats, dogs, and other species, particularly in densely housed populations. This case report outlines the management of an outbreak of B. bronchiseptica in cats in a suburban, limited-admission animal shelter in the Southeastern United States in October 2023. A group of 43 cats were managed, with 93% (40/43) morbidity and 100% (43/43) live outcomes (adoption) for treated cats. Outbreak management included recognition, case identification, risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment, decontamination, population management, documentation, and communication. The establishment of an offsite isolation facility and targeted treatment based on diagnostic testing were key to timely resolution. With proactive management and in collaboration with shelter medicine specialists, resolution of this outbreak occurred in 45 days.

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