Prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infections in cats from different environments

Abstract

The role of Bordetella bronchiseptica infections in respiratory disease in cats is not clear. In this study, the prevalence of B. bronchiseptica infections in cats in Flanders was determined. B. bronchiseptica was isolated from 11 out of a total of 272 nasal swabs taken from 272 cats from five different populations: household cats, cats from shelters, cats from catteries, stray cats and cats from pet shops. The infection rate of animals younger than 6 months was similar to that of older cats. The bacterium was isolated more frequently from cats kept in group and from cats showing signs of respiratory disease. None of the household cats were positive.