What is Bordetella?
Bordetella is a genus of gram‑negative bacteria that target the respiratory tract of mammals and, rarely, birds. Two species matter most: Bordetella bronchiseptica in animals and Bordetella pertussis in humans.
Key Species at a Glance
B. bronchiseptica Animals
Primary culprit behind kennel cough. Infects dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs and more.
- Harsh, dry cough in dogs
- Sneezing/nasal discharge in cats & rabbits
- Spread via aerosols & direct contact
B. pertussis Humans
Responsible for whooping cough—highly contagious, especially dangerous for infants.
- Severe coughing fits with "whoop" inhale
- Post‑tussive vomiting common
- Preventable with DTaP/Tdap vaccines
How Bordetella Spreads
Aerosol Droplets
Coughing & sneezing release bacteria that linger in the air for minutes.
Direct Contact
Noses touching, shared toys or food bowls facilitate transfer between animals.
Contaminated Surfaces
Bacteria survive hours on surfaces like kennel walls, leading to indirect infections.
Prevention & Next Steps
Vaccination remains the gold standard. Use our tools to plan safe, effective protection for every species in your care.