🚨 Recognizing a Bordetella Outbreak

Outbreaks of Bordetella bronchiseptica are most common in boarding kennels, shelters, daycares, and multi-dog households. The first sign is usually a sudden spike in dogs exhibiting:

• Dry, hacking coughs
  
• Gagging or retching
  
• Nasal discharge
  
• Lethargy
  
• Fever (occasionally)
  

📍 Outbreak rule of thumb: 3+ dogs showing compatible signs within a 7-day window may constitute an outbreak — particularly if they were in contact with one another.

🧩 Step-by-Step Outbreak Management Plan

🗓️ Day 0 – First Symptoms

• Record onset, location, and animal ID
  
• Isolate symptomatic animals immediately
  
• Notify staff and begin symptom monitoring of all animals
  

🗓️ Day 1–2 – Confirm and Contain

• Consult a veterinarian for confirmation
  
• Consider PCR or antigen testing on at least one symptomatic dog
  
• Suspend intake, adoptions, or group play if applicable
  
• Clean and disinfect all common areas
  

🗓️ Day 3–7 – Communicate and Treat

• Email or call pet owners if their animals may have been exposed
  
• Begin supportive treatment (antibiotics if warranted)
  
• Increase airflow and reduce shared contact zones
  

🗓️ Day 7+ – Evaluate and Recover

• Once no new cases appear for 7+ days, gradually resume intake/services
  
• Keep logs of symptoms, recovery times, and interventions
  
• Re-vaccinate if boosters were missed
  

📢 Communication Templates

Exposure Notice Email

Subject: Kennel Cough Exposure – Important Notice

Dear [Pet Owner],

We want to inform you that a case of kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) was identified at [Facility Name] on [Date]. While we follow strict sanitation protocols, your dog may have been exposed.

Please monitor for symptoms such as dry cough, sneezing, or nasal discharge. Contact your vet if you observe any signs.

Thank you for your understanding.

– The [Facility Name] Team

💵 Cost Calculator: Downtime & Recovery

Here’s what a medium-sized shelter may incur over a 10-day shutdown:

Use our Outbreak Cost Worksheet (coming soon) to model your own risk.

✅ Prevention Is Cheaper

• Vaccinate all intake animals within 48 hours
  
• Isolate for 5–7 days on intake, even when healthy
  
• Ventilate indoor housing to 10+ air changes/hour
  
• Clean all shared bowls, toys, and surfaces daily
  

🧪 Bonus: Stock PCR swabs or rapid tests in advance for early detection

🧠 Summary

Bordetella outbreaks can be costly and stressful — but they’re manageable with fast action, clear communication, and an organized recovery protocol.

• Isolate fast
  
• Notify early
  
• Track symptoms
  
• Resume carefully
  

Next up in our series: Disinfection Protocols for Killing Bordetella in 60 Seconds.