How long can infected animals or people shed Bordetella?

Comprehensive answer, prevention tips, related terms, and key take-aways.

• Dogs can shed B. bronchiseptica for up to 12 weeks post-infection, especially if antibiotics were not used.
• Humans with pertussis shed heavily for the first 2 weeks but may remain contagious for 3 weeks or longer without macrolide therapy.

Early antibiotic treatment curtails shedding and shortens required isolation.

Key Take-Aways

  • Dogs may shed for months.
  • Pertussis patients are most contagious during catarrhal phase.
  • Antibiotics shorten contagious period.